Job Discussion Forums

Mike_2007 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Bucharest, Romania

I'm sure the average Russian family in Moscow also has to pay for their washing machine. It seems fair to me that the school should offer it as an optional extra, after all, it's not directly related to the teaching.

(PS. I'm not defending this school or the other clauses in their contract, I'm just surprised to see a washing machine causing so much dismay.)

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

hughesie · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 63

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

And let's take into consideration that these new teachers are young, and used their mother doing their washing, and then to discover that they have to wash items such as heavy jeans and towels, and sheets in the bath, and to hang them out where??? In the Winter??

No way!!! They should also demand that the furnished flat should have a tumble dryer, and don't forget the fridge for the beers. A few cool beers after lessons are much appreciated.

GF · Joined: 08 Jun 2003 Posts: 238 Location: Tallinn

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

I was thinking about cming to Russia and joining BKC myself, but I haven't read the contract yet.

In order to negotiate a deal with BKC, I need to know what the cost of living is like. I will be coming with my wife and two children.

So for example should I live, as I think I will need a decent modern flat or house to be close to a good International school ? Of course I will need a driver, and I suppose I will have to provide him with a car. I will also need a native speaking Nanny.

Can any one give me some idea of what I should be negotiate with my company, before I go to Moscow. Any advice would be much appreciated.

canucktechie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 343 Location: Moscow

Mike_2007 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Bucharest, Romania

hughesie · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 63

hughesie · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 63

Mike_2007 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Bucharest, Romania

Don't be rude, Hughesie.

hughesie · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 63

Mike_2007 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Bucharest, Romania

I'm not insulting your intelligence. For your information I've always preferred to sort out my own accommodation and when necessary I've bought my own washing machine. School deals are generally rubbish and to be used as a stop-gap at best.

From what I gather you had two choices of rent - with or without the washing machine - and two different prices. If you wanted a machine in the flat, you paid a bit more. This just seems normal to me. The better the furnishings, the higher the rent, no? Your other points about the contract see valid. There really was no need for you to start name-calling.

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

WoW - interesting thread.

Better steer clear of Ukraine. Many apartments don't have washing machines and there are people driving Mercedes without dryers.

As for attendance sheets, I don't care much for them either but I understand not only the payroll/record-keeping aspect but also the need to keep up with pages covered in the books in case another teacher has to take your classes and/or they are watching the pacing of the class to determine when it is necessary to buy the next book. That said, I certainly agree it is not a promising sign when it is spelled out in a contract, with penalties, rather than in the work rules and procedures. Again though, there are many things spelled out in the contracts for all workers, not just EFL teachers, which westerners regard as odd.

Curiously I noticed a couple of months ago that many schools have teachers sign a contract which is illegal in my country. In Ukraine many schools do not provide visa or work permit support on the grounds that it saves you taxes and makes it easier for you to work. In fact, it saves THEM money on payroll taxes, allows them to work you without benefits such as vacation, insurance or pension, and then they wonder why you have no loyalty or let your pursuit of private students get in the way of their schedules. If they have pulled a work permit for you as a full-time employee they are obligated to provide you with maternity leave, 24 days of vacation, paid holidays, etc. AND you cannot be required to give more than two weeks notice. These rights cannot be signed away by any form of contract and fully cover foreign workers.