Job Discussion Forums

Kesavah · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 15

My employer is not holding up to their end of the contract. The hours are not what were stated, nor are the classes, we are doing all sorts of things that we should not be, and now it sounds like they're not going to give us all the benefits promised in the contract. So, I am not a happy camper at the moment, the job pretty much sucks now, and what I would like to know is what would happen if I just up and left? Can they track me down and do bad things to me? Will I ever be able to come back into the country for a holiday in my golden years? Please help save my mental health, I need to know what my options are! Thanks all.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

To leave Indonesia you'll need an exit visa. If you tell your employer you're leaving, they sound like they'll give you a hassle and a half. A couple of choices you can try:
- tell them you have to go home for a family emergency (your uncle got run over by a bus, whatever).
- tell them you're going to Singapore for a holiday weekend, and once you're in Singapore, fly on home.

If you decide to quit, if they're a chain school (I'm guessing it's an EF or similar) they'll blacklist you with their other branches. You should let us know more details about the school so others know to avoid it!

Kesavah · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 15

I've already got the exit visa under control - I was actually already planning a vacation soon so that won't be a problem. I'm just wondering whether they'll be able to touch me legally once I'm out of the country, or whether I'll ever have a problem in the future if I want to come back to Indonesia for just a regular holiday.

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

firstly congratulations on getting the exit visa.
secondly i would not risk returning to indonesia if you have defaulted on your work visa, immigration would have you on record.

but dont worry about being hassled when you are overseas.

the contracts are NOT legal

either locally or internationally.

they are a document required for submission for a work permit and a KITAS. they demonstrate to immigration that you will be employed by some local company.

enjoy your freedom

Kesavah · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 15

Seriously? They're not legal? Even though it says This is a legal document at the end and we had to sign over top of one of those little stickers? That would be sweet. My window of escape is coming up in less than two weeks so if anyone has any more words of advice, now is the time to voice them. Thanks for your help everyone!

TEAM_PAPUA · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 1679 Location: HOLE

I'd be careful buddy - you'll be surprised how many centre managers/owners read this board. There may not be many people contributing, but there are many reading.

Good luck on getting out of the window Wink

Gregor · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 842 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Kesavah,
I don't think you need to worry all that much.
Indonesia is, more or less, a free country. If you've got your exit permit, you're good to go. They can't do anything about you if you're not in the country, and they WON'T do anything about you other than report you to the authorities (MAYBE), and that "heat" will die down in another year, MAX.
It's just not worth it to them to try to track you down wherever you may go. They aren't going to be that vindictive; it would effect business. That is, time they spend messing with you is time they are NOT spending trying to replace you, get students in the door, etc. You should be good.
And if you want to return to Indo. one day, that should be fine too. But they WILL blacklist you from the other branches of their school. And of course you can't expect a reference from them. If those things are no problem, then go. You should be fine.

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

if it aint typed in indonesian it aint legal.
but what does it mater, in indonesia? come on....

the whole thing is about satisfying immigraton as to your employment with an indonesian company, and you get a work permit / kitas.

this has nothing to do with contractural rights in terms of work and employment conditions. you have no legal rights really
they can treat you like a dog.

what are you going to do?

Kesavah · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 15

Ok, it all worked out alright, I managed to get out of the country just fine. However, I'm getting emails from the old school now saying that I owe them money for some crazy expenses that I don't remember ever hearing about, and of course they're threatening me with legal action. I am out of the country, far far away, and I don't intend to go back - should I even bother worrying? I wondered if something like this would happen...

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

You will only have a problem if you return to Indonesia. Since you don't have any plans to, you have no worries...

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

chill dude
its a bluff

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

Viewers?

Team Papua,
Good Point!
probably u r correct, partly.
ESL Teachers are afraid to post thru fear of retribution from their bosses, or they are just pussies?

Is there a difference?

Come on down viewers!

gugelhupf · Joined: 24 Jan 2004 Posts: 575 Location: Jabotabek

Sure they can send you emails but that's about it. Immigration won't be at all worried as they have already made their money from the school. The only potential problem comes if you returned to Indonesia within the period covered by the original Kitas then it would be difficult to get a new one without the cooperation of your old employer.

Put it down to experience.

On the other side of the coin, I know one manager who is anxiously hoping that a member of staff will do a runner during the Xmas holidays as it will save him the trouble of sacking that teacher!

TEAM_PAPUA · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 1679 Location: HOLE

The viewing by others of this forum was a major headache for teachers in China - particularly with the EF head office in Shanghai, if I remember correctly. Their snooping around on this forum alerted them to the 'midnight run' plans of many unhappy teachers Laughing

gugelhupf · Joined: 24 Jan 2004 Posts: 575 Location: Jabotabek

Well, let's chuck them an occasional red-herring to put them off the scent!

Seriously, this could be an issue so posters in that position should make sure that clues to location and identity aren't too obvious.

I love the bit in the discussion about getting blacklisted and not being allowed to work for certain McLanguage mills again. That may be the official position but not the case on the ground. So long as you are reasonably white, speak some English and can walk to the classroom unaided you'll be welcome.