Job Discussion Forums

[Dave Nunn]

The administrator responsible for foreign staff at Jishou University is refusing to reimburse me for the outward portion of my flight here on the grounds that I didn't work the whole of the first semester (I didn't arrive until Nov. 1st 2008 due to delays in processing the paperwork). There was no mention of this previously, neither in my contract nor in emails prior to my arrival. He didn't inform me himself of his decision. All other allowances have been paid or, so I am told, are going to be paid. The administrator is now in the USA & is not due to return until early next year. My question is, has anybody successfully pursued any unpaid allowance, through SAFEA or any other body? If so I would appreciate your advice.

Thanks in advance.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[eddy-cool]

If he decideds to refund you pro rata then you will get what you are owed, no more. I haven't heard of any university paying for a round trip after you have served them for just one semster. Or the whole contractual refund for a one-year contract when you haven't been there for the whole time.

[evaforsure]

Even though this kind of logic is unwelcomed .. it is this SOP/unwritten and undeclared rules tht governs the actions of FAOs.. one of those rules is that they will always cut back on pay at any reasonable and slightly justifiable angle...

in your mind the school is obligated and are not inclined to inform you of the reduction ..(perhaps in the contract it sez service of one year and if the criteria is not completed there is not partial payments mentioned) due to it not being your actions tht caused a delay.. while the Chinese look at the delay as an unavoidable event ..but an event which shorten your term of service...I once ask for additional time on my annual leave to take care of family problems and the school readably agreed ...... upon my return the informed me that due to the fact that I had taken longer than anticipated for vacation, they could not pay me my vacation pay...yes I did take it forward and was able to break the contract but received no monetary settlement...just an expensive lesson as to the admin ways of the Chinese...for many of the FTs it is the first time to swim with the contract sharks�it is a way of life in the PRC and everyone should expect this kind of logic when talking payouts of bennies�again that is why I negotiate for MONEY�

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

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[writpetition]

OP,

You best bet would be send your provincial SAFEA an email explaining your position and quoting the relevant parts of your contract. Also, mention the unique contract number that's printed on the front page of your SAFEA contract and then give them a call. You will probably receive an automated response from SAFEA and not much else but I assure you, if your case is strong, your school will pay you pronto.

Be prepared, however, to burn your bridges with the school. But, if things are so bad they choose not to settle your accounts, your only recourse is SAFEA.

DON'T lose your cool but DO explain your position clearly!

Most schools, regardless of their 'guanxi', fear SAFEA.

Best of luck!

[Dave Nunn]

Thank you all for your replies. The situation has now been resolved in my favour & there don't appear to be any hard feelings. I didn't have to involve the SAFEA in the end, I just continued to push firmly for what I considered to be mine & it came my way before I had to up the ante. It may be worth pointing out a few things that could have influenced the decision. A week or two previously I had agreed to remain at the university for another year. I have done everything asked of me that was educationally relevant. I haven't missed a single class. I get along well with the Chinese teaching staff & with the majority of the students. In other words, I'd kept my part of the bargain & so felt justified in the position I took.

[kev7161]

Good for you OP. This is another example of where longevity at a school can work in your favor when it comes to benefits and extra perks.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Glad to see it was resolved.