Job Discussion Forums

[CFTU-Beijing]

According to both provincial and central government statutes, the law clearly mandates that teachers be provided invitation and release letters by direct employers free of charge.

Despite this, we at the CFTU receive about a dozen complaints a week about teachers being shaken down for money by either principals or agents for anywhere from 1,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan for these letters This is super illegal and if it happens to you, we urge you to contact us after redaing this link: http://www.chinaforeignteachersunion.com/2013/09/scam-alert-for-china-foreign-teachers.html

We will send you a free copy of China's labor laws in English and notify the Ministers of Labor and Education as well as SAFEA and the local Procuriate and Police that you are being extorted - a serious crime in China that can cause a school to lose their license and an agent to be jailed for up to 1 year.

Don't be intimidated and when you engage in conversations with the principal or agent about these matters. Always anticipate a surprise and use your mobile phone to record the conversations since you will rarely get a demand for payment in writing or via email.

Screen Print No. ESLCAFE14-9.21.13

[NoBillyNO]

[chinatimes]

[BlueBlood]

[Javelin of Radiance]

[choudoufu]

given the consensus that foreigners won't get a fair hearing in any
chinese court, secret recordings just might get you sent to jail without
passing go or collecting $200.

fortunately, the chinese foreign teachers onion...blahblahblah

[kungfuman]

[choudoufu]

[chinatimes]

[NoBillyNO]

[chinatimes]

[A593186]

Just like this user (OP), posing as a user, but in reality a recruiter, agency, etc. trying to get your business by appearing to be on the up-and-up with all these helpful tips.

The so-called CFTU-Beijing is implying and expecting the inference that they are some authorized (by the PRC) of being a valid employee union. Far from fact. This "union" was discussed in the past year or so and it was agreed that they weren't to be taken seriously.

I'd take what he/she says with a grain of small salt and let their website speak tons for what they are.

[CFTU-Beijing]

Attacking the messenger accomplishes nothing other than to identify yourself as as either an agent, recruiter, or someone who has something to hustle to our fellow teachers.

The OP is about being extorted for invitation letters and release letters. Do you actually have some constructive advice about dealing with the problem or are you content to bash others you never met?

When you are victim of some teaching scam, let's see how quickly you whistle a different tune A593186 - if in fact you are a genuine teacher? If so, then deal with the message of the OP.

[muffintop]

[Bud Powell]

Go to the City Foreign Affairs office. It's usually located in the police station or some other government building near the main police station. To find the City Foreign Affairs inside the police station, just walk around, and invariably, someone from the city foreign affairs will stop and ask if you need help. Tell him what you've encountered. The situation will probably be treated as a "misunderstanding", and your FAO will oblige and write your letter of release and probably a letter of recommendation. Make sure the LOR is in English.

You don't need to make a federal case out of it. That's a common FT mistake.

Think Chinese. Ever notice how Chinese will advise you "It is not a problem. It is a misunderstanding".

Make sure that you request both letters well in advance of your departure so you'll have time to go to the City Foreign Affairs when your FAO tries to shaft you.