Job Discussion Forums

[zipper]

because it's against company policy. This is Wells school in Taiwan.

I find it strange; and now I am not sure I will teach there.

As far as I know, it is a business norm for both parties that have signed a contract to have a copy of it; that way, neither one can modify it. In this case, the manager could easily modify it behind my back and I will have no proof to say otherwise.

I will call him again, and it he refuses to give me a copy of the contract, then I guess that I will walk away from this one.

What do you think?

[johnslat]

Dear zipper,

Walk away - and don't look back.

Regards,
John

[spiral78]

Totally out of line not to give a contract copy.

[Glenski]

[zipper]

Thanks everyone. I will call him today, and ask for a copy of it again, and if he gives me the "it's our policy" crap, then yeah, I will fly away.

[zipper]

Just a quick follow up. I called, and he asked why I wanted to have a copy of the contract. I explained that it is standard business practice and that it protects the school as much as me. He complied.

[Elkythedogsperson]

Glad to hear that it worked out zipper. Asian culture has a variations of western business "sense". Asking and explaining can make things ok. A good call doing what you did.

Still this is a good post to have up here for new teachers...get a copy of your contract and DO NOT surrender a passport, certificates or other official documents for "safekeeping" unless you really know the school has a real good reputation. They may want to take your passport to the immigration office or a visa officer for reasons, but you should have it back in a day.

From personal experience, I kept my certificates and original copies KITAS (work visa) in my Indonesia school's safe, but passport and copies of my contract were in my lodging. I felt the school was trustworthy. In Mexico and Cambodia, everything was always at my lodging and kept secured.

[fandeath]

In Korea, I applied to one jobs and a they said "we can't show you the contract unless you come here. And then after viewing it, you can't keep a copy"

A little sensitive....

[johntpartee]

I would still think twice about an employer who refused to give me a copy of the contract, even if he later relented. Very odd.

[Justin Trullinger]

and yet....

You've got to be aware of situations. In my travels, I've seen a lot of different countries, and a lot of different legal situations.

I was once had an interview for a job where it was specified beforehand that they couldn't get a visa for me due to poor US relations with their country, and that I would probably be illegal.

There may be situations where an employer doesn't want you to be free to prove your conditions of employment, such as there is some illegality in them.

This MAY be an illegality that hurts you, but for all you know, it could help you.

How much do you trust them?

Funnily enough, I didn't take the job I'm describing here, but that wasn't my reason....

Best,
Justin

[markcmc]

I see red lights flashing. Hopefully - on the most positive side - he's just incompetent and lacking any business experience.

[LinguRing]

Wow, totally agree with the above, just walk away. I hope you found something better.

[Big Poppa Pump]

Ask yourself how long it'll take to put on your running shoes.

[basiltherat]

Yes, I agree. Their giving you a copy after your having asked for it is, IMHO, neither here nor there.

The fact that they refused to give one to you in the first place shows their real colours and is an indication of the kind of treatment you can expect to have to bear in the future.

I'd still leave.

Best
Basil

[let`s talk]

OP, you are supposed to have not a copy of the contract but the original contract. Any contract is signed in two original papers: one for each party.