ABSTRACT
The Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (PTU) is the most important interest group fighting for democracy in Hong Kong. It was established in 1973, first fighting for the interests of the teaching profession, then participating in various social movements and protecting public interests. From the political transition of Hong Kong from the British in the 1980s to the handover of its sovereignty to China in 1997, the PTU played a critical role in the struggle for democracy in Hong Kong through the mobilization of its supporters to influence government policies. It was under political pressure through being attacked, infiltrated, subverted, divided and dissolved. But the PTU has adapted to the changing circumstances resiliently and solved various problems through the internal democratization of its organization. All members of the PTU can monitor the operation of the executive committee without arousing controversies while consolidating the union’s unity and improving its operation. Arguably, the PTU stands out as the most successful and most adaptable pro-democracy interest group in the HKSAR.
