Job Discussion Forums

HigherEdJoe · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 16

Thanks everyone for the mostly constructive comments. I do have to say that although one signs a contract that's no reason one shouldn't expect fair pay. Too many people with that mind set is the reason teacher salaries are crap and our newbies here in China get reamed with low salaries. As with any job or employment you should always review your contract. Our Chinese host are not handcuffed by such notions and neither should we. As most of us know if you don't push for things sometimes here in China, nothing changes. Luckily, with recent difficulties in hiring teachers now is the time to push for better salaries. It also does not hurt that I've got loads of guanxi at this school so maybe it's safer for me to push than others.

Perspective is worth a lot.

tangal · Joined: 11 Nov 2012 Posts: 47 Location: Da Nang Beach

But why bother really? It's such a small amount of money. Yes, we should all expect fair pay, but should we blame low and/or unequal salaries on first-year teachers? Maybe a little, but I'd put most of the blame on the Chinese system of EFL recruiting and hiring.

Your university is a classic example of just how unjust and arbitrary the system is. You've put in three years, which means you know the ropes and have a proven track record, yet a new teacher comes along and despite her steep learning curve (sorry, her 15 years' experience in journalism means practically nothing in terms of hands-on teaching skills and experience) they still offer or agree to pay her 200 more RMB than you.

The powers that be at your uni think/feel/believe they've made the right decision, the best choice for their cause: Guanxi or no guanxi, there's really nothing you can do except wait until you sign your next contract.

Expecting, reviewing, unhandcuffing, and pushing for 200 RMB more at this point (having already signed a contract for this academic year) will likely cause your leaders to lose face and/or start thinking about your replacement.

Hold your tongue for now; smile, breathe, and enjoy the ride while you can!