Job Discussion Forums

[7969]

i was having lunch with a chinese colleague today, and we talked about pay over holidays. i asked if they received their salary throughout the entire year, and i was told yes. then she told me that i wouldn't be paid over the spring festival period/term break which lasts one month, starting today for me.

now i never said anything, and my contract doesnt indicate anywhere "no pay over the spring festival" and i do indeed have a contract that runs from september 2004- june 2005. i made the assumption that pay would be forthcoming for that one month break. not having worked over two terms at one school yet, have i assumed wrong?

and since the next pay period falls on february 10th, and if i'm supposed to be paid, when should i begin asking for this salary? otherwise, it'll be two months between pay periods for me (jan 10-mar 10).

warmest regards ~ 7969

[kev7161]

Hmmm, sounds a little strange, but by now you should know to never assume anything around here.

Our school generally pays us on the 15th of each month for our work the previous month. However, during the holidays, we will be paid in just a few days for January + they will also give us our February salary! Can't beat that.

Sadly, our salary for March is still scheduled for April 15th, so I have to be very careful and budget my money accordingly.

[nolefan]

My contract states that I shall recieve my salary over the hollidays no matter what. They have delivered so far.

[Talkdoc]

I am at a government university and the pay is continuous from August 30 through July 15th. However, if you renew, the contract converts to a 12-month contract effective from the prior expiration date - so in that case you would be paid for the summer as well.

Doc

[Spiderman Too]

I also get paid on the 15th of each month; 15 days in arrears and 15 days in advance.

I also work for a government university and I get full pay for the Spring Festival holiday (4 weeks) + 1,500RMB 'travelling allowance' (separate from airfare allowance).

On January 15 I received my monthly salary + 1,500RMB.

My uni were apologetic that they cannot pay February's salary until school resumes on February 21, and offered to make special arrangements for any of the foreign teachers in need.

Unlike Talkdoc's uni however, I (will) receive 50% salary for July & August, effectively 1 month's pay. But that's okay, I plan to do a summer camp in either July or August, and then head off overseas for a holiday during the 'other' month.

Similar to Talkdoc and Kev, my first job in China was not a pleasant experience. The students were the same as Kev's (disinterested and unappreciative little s h i t s) and the school's administration tried to screw me (nay, did screw me).

But unlike some people, I didn't sign on for a second term (let alone a full year). I put a lot more effort into finding a replacement job which included visiting 3 potential employers.

Compared to virtually all of the postings under the thread 'HOW DO YOU RATE YOUR SCHOOL', I have the perfect job. Now, if the university would just relocate a thousand kilometers or so further south into a warmer climate, I would be in heaven.

That and the addition of satellite TV, which will hopefully will be 'resolved' soon.

Don't ask me why I'm raving under this thread; I don't know.

[struelle]

This can be a big problem, compounded by the fact that January is a slow teaching month. I'd suggest talking this over with the FAOs, not in a demanding tone but looking at it in a problem-solving way, where, hopefully 'they' can find the answer you need in a constructive way. If things don't go very well, always have a back-up plan. Perhaps you can tutor and do private lessons to make extra cash, or work part-time at winter camps.

From my experience at least, I simply had to have back-up options and other sources of income while working for a Chinese employer. It was too much of a gamble to put all my eggs in one basket, so to speak.

Steve

[Roger]

Those private language mills that so many prefer over public schools because of the pay difference won't normally pay your wages during holidays or sick leave.