Job Discussion Forums

[Atlas]

So my check is Y 125 less this month because the boss has a new system, in which this much is deducted every month and then returned in full at the third month. This is to motivate teachers to stay the full term of their courses. My issue is that I've worked there a year, haven't expressed any plans to leave, and that this little policy was instituted without mention or consultation, until after payday.

Not that it's a lot of money, but it is my money. My question is, am I being too sensitive about this minor inconvenience, or should I march in there and demand what's mine, bruising the relationship? I'm not going to roll over, but seriously, is this a big deal or not? I seriously think it's just a new policy that the management never got around to informing us--which is hardly specific to this one Chinese school!

Has anyone else experienced little "changes" to their working arrangements, after they've gotten their hooks into you?

Another example: when I was first hired, I was offered X yuan/hour to work. Then my contract was adjusted to a guaranteed-hours thing, where if I spent 3 hours a week waiting for new clients (ie, surfing Dave's) and giving them a 5 minute oral test. In short, doing very little, just showing up really--but if I figured these hours into my schedule, my pay is actually reduced by about 35 kuai an hour. (But it's actually more if I negelect to figure in these 3 lazy hours). It seemed a reasonable balance so I accepted it, but with the personal note that I would not accept any further devaluations.

A week ago, I was offered an additional 2 hour class at X-35 yuan, for 14 days straight including weekends! I said, that's not sweet, no thanks! Not if you want weekends too! I've got 2 jobs, I don't need it.

This job has been really good all around, very comfortable, very nice people and great students. I'm happy there, but it's like, I've got to watch everything like a hawk.

Are these kinds of "adjustments" a common experience for you guys? Does being reliable have the disadvantage of becoming taken for granted, and thus, a target for cuts? I'd love to hear about similar experiences.

[kev7161]

I like Atlas, we have similar outlooks and experiences.

Anyway, I signed my second-year contract and was very careful (I hope!) with it as my school tried a couple of shifty things this year but we, the teachers, called them to the floor on it.

So, the school is learning from their mistakes, but they tried all sorts of little things in my new contract that would somewhat negate my salary increase! I got them to change wording here and there so, for me at least, it reads more soundly - - we'll see what next term brings.

However, I was called by foreign teacher coordinator and he asked me not to discuss my contract with other foreign teachers as each contract could be different (in other words, some FTs will be newbies thus "easy"). Now I can see different salaries based on length of time here and previous experience, but basics like meals, living quarters, holiday pay and so on should be the same across the board, but I don't think it will be. I will be getting full monthly pay regardless of holidays, but I don't think others will; they'll get a percentage.

My biggest peeve is within my own department. Schedule changes without notice. My Chinese aide (a Chinese english teacher) never telling me about changes - - - I hear "rumors" from my students. But at least I get the same pay regardless of whether I teach or not.

[Teacher Lindsay]

I have seen 5 teaching-in-China employment contracts thus far and each one has contained a clause to the effect that changes (to the contract / salary package / working conditions) are not valid unless previously agreed upon by both parties.

Personally I wouldn't accept the 125 RMB deduction, or any other arbitrary change.

Someone has already stated (I can't remember in which of the thousands of threads on this forum) that if you give a Chinese employer an inch they will take 100 miles.

Cheers

[garbotara]

Is that for taxes taken out or just money deducted?The school I work at deducts taxes that it does not pay to the government.Not one teacher has received a tax paper.If it is just money taken out I would talk to your emplyer.

[laodeng]

In my (actually, their) university), every foreign teacher seems to have been given a different contract and a different line of b.s. . . . usually with the admonition not to tell the others. My god, what energy it must take for the wai4 ban4 to remember what deal he has made with whom--particularly those little deals that have not been reduced to paper!

[Roger]

The Chinese don't like to commit themselves and prefer the ad hoc style of giving orders. Muddling along all the time - that's their way.
But since you have so far been satisfied with your job, I wouldn't make much fuss except to insist that modifications be written down bindingly, and signed by both parties.
To some extent, I understand your boss. Chinese employees are not exactly famous for employer loyalty. Why should we be much better? Therefore, a little security is necessary...

[randyj]

Yes, I agree with Roger. Although arbitrarily withholding salary, no matter how small, amounts a breach of faith, a teacher must decide whether disputing the issue might cause more harm than good. As a practical matter, I believe teaching contracts in China carry little force.

[Atlas]

Thanks for your replies. Garbotara asked: