Job Discussion Forums

DIPTESOL · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 42

There's a 'company' in Shanghai who were apparently previously Shane school (goes without saying eh?) Anyway, they have now called themselves YES (Your English School) what a tacky name eh!? The company are still not even registered though actively employ teachers. They get work with schools in the Changning district and have their own weekend classes.

The place is a shambles and the two western academic managers are incompetent (as are most middle managers). I'll give an example, observations are made and the feedback is sent via email because the manager is so inept and has no people skills. The feedback is also worthless and so the whole observation process is a waste of time. It takes them a whole semester to get you resources you need so it's quicker to get them yourself.

There is no sick or holiday pay so during the Chinese public holidays you're pretty much forced to do seasonal work. The pay is also terrible and most of the teachers work all week in their primary/middle/high schools and then teach the whole weekend in the office too - slave labour if anything! Most of the teachers also find it necessary to have private students in order to make a decent living.

To top it all off, I've just been let go of because apparently the schools I worked at didn't want me anymore. I find that very hard to believe as the kids cheer when I walk into the classroom and they enjoy my classes. I believe it was due to the inept manager's jealousy because I knew his observations were worthless and made no hesitation in telling him about his incompetence. The management saw me as a threat so pushed me out. Well, they probably did me a favour anyway!

You've been warned....

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

"The management saw me as a threat, so pushed me out. Well, they probably did me a favour anyway!" -- Diptesol

If you are as good as you believe yourself to be, that's probably true. Now, a few words to the wise. What you have described suggests various labor law violations. So, please don't accept any job that doesn't provide a standard SAFEA contract and FEC. In addition, you might think that a school would be grateful for your insights into how things should be run. They aren't.

DIPTESOL · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 42

Yes, it seems that the contract is a Mickey Mouse job- that's why they never gave them back to any of the teachers but keep them locked away in a room! I asked for mine today and just got an unsigned photocopy because they said it's under lock and key!
Have read the contract and it says that they can cancel the contract with a written notice if I do not fulfil the contract or contract obligations and failed to amend after they pointed it out.
It also says that if they fail to fulfill the contract obligations or breaks the contract they must pay a breach penalty of 500-2000 dollars.
Will seek legal advice tomorrow I think..

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

OK, Dippie, be very certain you get a lawyer who

1. Can speak English
2. Knows both Chinese and Common (English) labor law
3. Comes recommended to you
4. Has done this before
5. Does not ask for his/her fee all in advance
6. Is not a partner in large firm
7. Explains VERY clearly your options in the case
8. Has no ties with your employer
9. Checks out with the local/provincial association
10. Does not show up on a web search

charlib80 · Joined: 30 Dec 2008 Posts: 10

How can you be sure a school is legitimately SAFEA & FEC Certified?

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

"How can you be sure a school is legitimately SAFEA and FEC Certified?" -- Charli B

Unless the school is authorized to hire foreigners, and the OP has a SAFEA contract and FEC, the local Foreign Experts Bureau will not go to bat for them. Going the lawyer/legal route is probably a huge waste of time and money. Better to just move on.

theincredibleegg · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 224

You were not employed on a Z-visa which makes your employment illegal. Neither Yes or you are protected by Chinese law so there is no reason for you to pay that penalty fee.

DIPTESOL · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 42

I do have a Z visa and apparently a foreign experts, although I've never seen it!
Have received written notice saying that they will keep the visa running for a month and I'll be paid at the end of the notice period. So not only do I lose my job but have to wait another month until i get any money from them. What a shithole....

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

China Pete

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

"I do have a Z visa and apparently a Foreign Experts Certificate, although I've never seen it!" -- Diptesol

In that case, the Shanghai Foreign Experts Bureau might have been able to assist you with any violations of your contract. Of course, how would you have known, since your employeer apparently wouldn't let you see your SAFEA contract (that's the contract you would have signed in English and Chinese when they were processing your residence permit). I suspect your soon to be ex-employer is an expert at this sort of thing -- whether it's trying to enslave the FTs or sandbagging the Foreign Experts Bureau. There are quite a few jobs in China with better employers than this. I'd concentrate my efforts on finding one of these in a hurry.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

again, excellent reply Pete

I just wonder if he really does have a FEC because he mentioned nothing about having a RP

Once had a school give me a fake RP

DIPTESOL · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 42

I have a RP but have never seen the FEC.
Yes, you're right better to move on, to be honest my experiences here in China have just made me want to leave, shame that..
BTW, I'm female! Wink

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Lhenderson · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 135 Location: Shanghai JuLu Road