Job Discussion Forums

[yamahuh]

My old contract states that I am entitled to 2 full days off per week.
My new contract; which I have yet to sign, states that I am entitled to two days off per week.
My employer wants me to go to an English Corner on Saturday evening at one of the schools we teach at from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Saturday is my day off and as far as I'm concerned if I have to work it in any way shape or form then it's no longer a day off.
She is saying that it's 'Only 2 hours' but she fails to understand that it means my whole day is shot; because of 'only 2 hours' I can't go out of town for a trip, can't have a few beers at dinner time etc.

I have offered her a compromise:
1; We will do one per month (the school wants us to do two) on Saturday; basically give up one day off per month.
2: She changes the schedule to give us Friday off and we will do two per month on Saturday as requested.

I've told her that I won't do two a month on Saturday if she doesn't give us Friay off in lieu, however I will do two a month if we get Friday off or if the school reschedules the English Corner to one of the five days per week that we are normally scheduled to work.

Am I being too inflexible by sticking to a 'Western interpretation' of a day off meaning nothing work related?

[YearOfTheDog]

When my school tries to pull things like that. I make it clear that it is my day off and if they want me to work, then they can pay me Overtime....

at 120 an hour...I usually work for the cash..

[Ricepaddy]

No, you're not being too inflexible. You're taking what may well be the wisest course: sticking to the principle of the contract, but offering a workable solution to the problem at hand.

Stick to your guns.

[yamahuh]

Thanks guys, we'll see what happens in the next few days. Apparently there's one on Saturday this week, which I'm not going to attend either.
Unfortunately it's the kids that will suffer, but I seem to be the only one offering a compromise here.

[Don McChesney]

Really?

That's the word to use for many occasions.

"I want you to teach on Saturday. "Really?'

You weren't at English Corner. "Really?"

Works like a charm.

[vikdk]

why should the kids suffer if they don't go to an english corner - I beleive it's the other way round - far too much education here - kids should be free on weekends learning how to be kids - isn't that the way we all grow and develope into sane adults. In the chinese newpapers there have been articles about how kids are overworked and stressed by the Chinese education system - my GF read me an article which told how students complained of their lack of social skills due to huge amount of time they spent in education - apparntly this problem has led to many surrering serious anxiety problems.
so i beleive all weekend classes should be boycotted - and for young children (5-10)in those dreadful english training centres - boycott evening classes aswell - that is if you really care for your students

[jeffinflorida]

I would recommend a stong position. If you value your days off and want to keep them then say "NO" working on my scheduled days off.

Once you agree to "only" 2 hours on your day off then it will get worse, not better. And is it really only 2 hours? How many of the children want to talk to you after the class - or follow you home.

The next time the conversation will be "Oh but you did it LAST time..."

Make sure they know it is not an issue about pay but about personal time.

And can't they schedule the corner for a different day?

Be Firm, Be Strong!

[yamahuh]

[shenyanggerry]

You are not being inflexible. You are merely reminding them what THEY agreed to. It's patently unreasonable to even try to get you to work on your days off.

During the October vacation I was handed a new work schedule that had more hours than the agreed maximum - overtime is voluntary. I was so angry I got my FAO to call the Foreign Languages Department and tell them I wouldn't teach any of the new classes. I was afraid of what I might say. No flak what so ever.

After I cooled off, I gave them the name of an Aussie girl who was looking for hours. They hired her. End of problem.

[yamahuh]

Wait until we tell her that not only will we NOT work on our days off but we're NOT going to sign a contract for another 12 months and she's going to have to find new teachers for next term.

That should make our next meeting interesting!!

[shenyanggerry]

How many of you aren't going to sign Yamahuh? If you are owed any substantial amount, like airfare, etc, I wouldn't announce your intentions until you have the money in your hands.

[yamahuh]

[shenyanggerry]

Yes, I was asking a count of how many would not sign. It sounds like you're making a good decision. Best be out of there while the getting's good.

[yamahuh]

We have a meeting in 2 hours, we got paid yesterday (late I might add).
Today we tell her that we're not staying, I'll let you know what happens.

[yamahuh]

Well, we had a fairly civilized meeting actually.

I had visions of snarls, threats and belligerence but it was quite the opposite. She tried for about 5 minutes to convince us to stay, but when she saw that we wouldn't be swayed from our decision she conceded and we began to come to some terms for our remaining three months.
I think we did quite well, we even managed to get a raise out of the deal!!
For her benefit we agreed that in January (it being our last month) she will pay us for our days worked not for the whole month, which made her happy. Also looks like we can stay in the apartment until the end of January, so there is no huge hurry to get out once the term is over.



Just another day in China...