Job Discussion Forums

[Trish Flurman]

Does anyone have a reference to any specific SAFEA regulation regarding the "rules" for what pay is received during the winter break (such as in a university setting) when the contract is for a full year work ?

Is there a "rule" that the normal salary is paid during the so-called holiday time when there are no teaching responsibilities ?

I'm looking at a new job for next term and they want to pay me 2200 RMB for the entire (approximately) 7/8 winter break. If I stay a second year they want to pay 2200 as well for the summer break (generally I can agree with that). They claim each are the supposed travel allowance.

Every university job I had gave full salary for the 2 month winter break.

So, is there a specific rule as to this that I can use instead of signing away my salary for that time ?

I want them to change the contract but they also want to check with SAFEA. I thought I saw, somewhere, that normal salary is to be paid for such an occurrence.

Can anyone point me to something I can quote to them ?

Thanks

[China.Pete]

You can find the SAFEA Guide to Teaching in China at http://www.china-tesol.com/Jobs_with_TEACH_CHINA/SAFEA_Guide_at_TEACH_CHINA/safea_guide_at_teach_china.html.

[Mei Sheng]

According to my sources, SAFEA "regulations" are not law; they are merely suggestions.

[hairuo]

SAFEA Regulations are like every other regulation in China, enforceable only when it benefits the entity doing the enforcing.

[arioch36]

SAFEA does the have the authority to regulate.

[China.Pete]

"I want them to change the contract, but they also want to check with SAFEA." -- Trish Flurman

Most universities following SAFEA guidelines offer 10.5-month contracts. This saves them a fair bit of money, since they don't have to pay you for the extra 1-2 months each year. Instead, they give you a "travel allowance" and the balance of your airfare so that you can return "home" for a visit. Agree to come back next year, and the process starts all over again. Given this scenario, you should get paid your regular salary over the winter holiday (or, if your contract began mid-year, the summer one).

Local teaching staff are often put on half-pay or worse during both school holidays. A few schools will try to do the same with their foreign teachers; some may try to avoid paying you anything at all. Since your school is generously doubling up on your travel allowance over the summer, I'd ask them where the accompanying return airfare is to be found. If none is in evidence, ask them how you're expected to live in China over the summer (working elsewhere being illegal).

Ultimately, Trish, it's probably not so much a matter for SAFEA as it is a question of what you are willing to put up with in the way of a reduced salary. In exchange for what? A fabulous location, wonderful students, attentive foreign affairs officers, posh accommodation? My hunch is that this job is essentially the same as you could get anywhere else with the standard salary conditions. If they won't change the contract, you should be prepared to look elsewhere.

[Trish Flurman]

[Trish Flurman]

Final update ....

The university agreed to each of my concerns regarding salary, travel allowances, and some other things not mentioned on the forum here.

They still insist that Christmas is a ONE day holiday when the regulation is specific to being a 2 day one for Christmas alone. I couldn't care less; it's just an issue of what they claim the law is and what it really is.

I got everything I wanted with some simple polite playful negotiations. Full salary during holiday and winter breaks, etc. Well, i didn't get the 20,000 RMB per month for working in Jinan but never expected it (yes, sarcasm).

So, peaceful, well-attitude'ed discussions are the way to go !!

[Surfdude18]