Job Discussion Forums

[ShapeSphere]

Thank you for the info about HK visas.

Getting back to Atlas's original point. I think it is best to leave now, and the good thing is that time is on your side. Schools are looking for teachers now for February, so why delay when they treat you like dirt?

The only problem with the HK option is that the teacher must always have a large amount of RMB saved. I do and wish all other teachers would do the same, thus strengthening their own positions in negotiation and life.

Chinese managers operate by manipulation as opposed to motivation. Your position is weakened so they can control you, however they fail to understand the difference between western and Chinese culture. I would have thought Chinese managers would have learned a little on how to deal with Western teachers by now. Considering that it is their business and livelihood at stake.

[Susie]

Atlas,

I know that you claim to be a qualified teacher who is worth his weight in gold.

I am also aware that you are considering resignation because the school has breached your contract by not agreeing to give you the salary increment (which you say is not linked to the management's appraisal of the quality of your performance but is simply linked to time worked (3 months) and the school saving costs).

Many people have offered ways for you to get your release letter or to do a midnight run without it. These options are not easy, but who said life wouldn't be difficult?

I'm thinking that you might like to negotiate further with the school management. For example, management said you may have to wait another month for the increment.

One meaning is that your probation has been changed to four months instead of three (get management to amend your contract to this effect, but then read on here...).

But not necessarily this meaning! Another reading of your situation is that you could agree to wait for another month beyond your third month, but if the school keeps you on at the school, then, they have to still pay you the promised increment backdated to the date of the 3 month probation period, PLUS they have to give you an extra increment of RMB1000 per month from that 3rd month date!! (get this written into your contract too!!!)

I really think that they recognise your worth, that you are a valuable teacher, and in their indirect way they are inviting you to negotiate!!

If they don't agree to this new set of rules put forward by you, then, you should simply return the next day with a letter (and a copy), in English and Chinese, stating that:

Point X of contract between School A and Employee B dated year/month/day states that B will work probation for 3 months, A will give an increment of RMB888 on year/month/day.

Given that A has refused to give 888 on year/month/day you cannot affort to continue working in the employ of A and you are forced to seek employment elsewhere.

You therefore rightfully request A (get the person who signed your contract to sign) to sign, date and stamp a copy of this letter, and A promises to provide you with all the necessary release documents (eg. school release letter, province release letter, PSB release letter, Education Bureau release letter, Labour Department release letter).

Exhause negotiations first before moving out.

Please tell me how you get on.

[Atlas]

First let me thank all of you immensely for providing the support I needed! It's quite liberating to know that one isn't held over a barrel just because we are kept separated and down (oh yes, this management has actually told me they don't like teachers meeting with each other without a manager present).

Later I'll address you individually when I have more time, but let me extend my thanks again.

Susie, to clarify something, I said I only smell smoke, I'm not ready to run yet, I believe in giving the benefit of the doubt. Besides, even if they cheat me I might keep it because it suits me at the moment, but I will change my longterm plan. I don't think I am beyond criticism, or worth my weight in gold, but I do know the "business" when it's being done to me. In this school if I have a problem it's my problem and if the management has a problem it's my problem. Or is that China? I've held up my end of the contract in good faith and earnest, reliable, and experienced effort, and I've made every effort to accomodate student and management feedback. Beyond that I won't debate my worth with anyone. If I sound too proud it's only because there is some crap I will not accept. This school hired someone fired from another branch who was sexually harassing students. I have a heartbeat. I'm qualified. moreover, I do work hard and try to be as professional as possible, coming early and staying late, and I have kept up my end of the bargain, thanks. The student feedback forms attest to this. My peers support me too.

All of which is entirely beside the point, as the raise in question is NOT based on evaluations but stipulated very clearly in the contract. It is a set package handed down from headquarters. If they start dickering with my pay I'll bring my stubs to HQ, see if that does anything.

I'll write more later, and I just want to say thanks again, and not just for myself but for all the lurkers who believe they are "stuck" in an exploitative situation just because they are outnumbered and alone.

[Susie]