Job Discussion Forums

[jm21]

Wondering whether language in the contract at a University job about paid holidays covers paid vacation during the summer and other breaks? Or should there be specific language about that. I talked with 2 people from the school and with the recruiter and am getting somewhat mixed signals.

Is it normal for a contract just to say that the school will pay you during the holidays, or do things like summer vacation need to be explicitly mentioned?

[dean_a_jones]

A school will usually pay you during the winter break--although I have heard of people not getting their full salary during this time as well (something like half or 2/3 or something). But most people I know receive their full pay during the winter break.

The summer holiday period for universities is usually sometime in June until September. As your contract will likely expire in June, you won't get paid for the summer by your school unless you sign on for another year. Again, most people I know who stick around at their school get summer pay. It seems most universities pay you something as it helps with teacher retention. But I have heard of people not getting full salary again, or not getting anything at all.

Also worth noting I have even heard of people getting kicked out of university accommodation during the summer even if staying on (and once even someone asking to vacate during the winter break). This certainly doesn't seem to be the norm, but probably also worth clarifying.

You should ask for any of this to be clarified within your contract supplement (the word document the school usually writes/provides alongside the state-printed SAFEA contract). At the very least, get confirmation in writing (i.e. an email), from the school's FAO (not a recruiter) of their policies on these issues. That way, you have something concrete if there are any future disputes.

[jm21]

I would be starting in February 2014 and going until January 2015. So I guess it would be normal for me to be paid during summer?

Just wondering if there's a difference in China between a "holiday" and a "school break" or something like that. The contract they sent says i get paid during the "holidays" but doesn't mention school breaks. No mention of lower pay during the holidays.

The appendix language says:

9, Party B will have public holidays such as “May Day” and “National Day” according to the regulations of Party A.

I swear someone at the interview said I would work during the summer vacation, but then everyone else seems to say the school shuts down for holiday during the summer vacation and I would get paid normally. Don't know whether something was just lost in translation or what. But would suck to have to work during summer and winter breaks with no other specified vacation times.

[dean_a_jones]

The contract language you quoted is Chinese law--you will get national holiday days off (as the students do) and, in most places, if that falls on a class day, you don't have class but still get your regular salary. It is the same way national holidays work in most countries.

The summer break is not the same thing as a 'public holiday' and is different from the national holiday situation mentioned in the contract language you quoted. You need to ask the school directly about summer break situation regarding work and pay, and as I said, get it in your contract if they are willing to put it there. I would have thought you would be paid for the summer holiday, and I would not have thought you would need to work, as these are the norms at most universities. But better to check directly with the school and have them confirm this. All anyone can do here is guess.

[Non Sequitur]

[jm21]

It's a private university.

[jm21]

They agreed to add the following language:
35. Party B will not be required to work for Party A during summer vacation. Party B will be paid his full monthly salary during summer. Party B will be allowed to live in the accommodation provided by party A during summer vacation.

Which seems to cover things...my contract expires before the winter break. Then if we renewed the contract I would get pay during winter break..

Simple but I think that should cover things?

[dean_a_jones]

Sounds alright, and the fact that they are happy to add it in is a good sign as well.

[Non Sequitur]

[jm21]