Job Discussion Forums

cormac · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 768 Location: Xi'an (XTU)

Now, I'm not really looking for a discussion. I've lived in China for 6 years so I don't really want the usual stereotypical advice or comments. Keep the topic on track please.

Basically, I've been with a decent university for the last two years. The quality of the campus apartments are horrible, and they've been fobbing us off by talking about a new building being built. However, the building has been finished, furniture moved in and in spite of the FT prior objections, continued to produce apartments which break the terms of the contract. i.e. no real kitchen, privacy issues, and placing professors in the same living area as foreign students.

I've had enough. I'm pushing back by declaring that I wont accept the new apartments, and that I'll no longer ignore the breaches in the contract.

I'm looking to hear of anyone that has brought a university to the psb and/or court and won/lost.

Yes, yes, yes. I know I'll never work in my province again if i do this.... bla bla.

Just stick with actual real information as to cases. IF you really don't know about this area, blow your horn in another thread pls. No offense intended but some people just love to post absolute crap here just to be noticed.

Laurence · Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 401

Feel for you buddy, solid accommodation can make all the difference.

Here's my perspective, for what it's worth -

You have two paths leading on from here: quit or negotiate.

Looks like you are being led down the garden path asking for better digs. Have you tried asking your employer to give you an allowance instead of providing an apartment? This would probably be a little more expensive, but worth it apparently.

fpshangzhou · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 280

i agree with Laurence. But before you toot your horn about any issues that may send you packing, I'd definitely have a backup plan with a new job offer so you can transition with minimal problems. Just remember, you're on their turf and we foreigners have little to no support, other than the psb. Even that's a gamble. I'm in a similar situation as they keep breaching my contract, but before I say or make any drastic measures, I'm making a secondary plan so I can move on when the time comes.

Good luck,

Aaron

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

The very few foreigners that I have heard of that successfully won lawsuits here have sued over salary.

There is no way any court is going to give out a reward for a housing issue. Chinese living standards are different from ours and trying to make a court understand the breach would be futile. To hire a lawyer would be throwing away money.

Does the school understand how serious you are about leaving over the housing issue. Perhaps a resignation letter could show them how serious you are and get you a new apartment.

teenoso · Joined: 18 Sep 2013 Posts: 365 Location: south china

Ask a local lawyer if you need specific advice on Chinese contract and labour law (!), but let's face it , 'accommodation provided ' may be a part of your contract , but it's hardly material or significant.
It's not at the heart of the contract and, as another said , breach of contract for unpaid salary or a major change in working conditions may be the only things the PSB (and courts?) will be interested in.

Of course , getting the PSB involved may work to your advantage , at least in the short-term.
We had a similar situation at another Uni and the employer did provide an allowance for teachers who wanted to move off-campus because the on-campus newly built apartments were noisy, unfinished, etc.

Why not try to negotiate collectively before involving the PSB?

Shanghai Noon · Joined: 18 Aug 2013 Posts: 589 Location: Shanghai, China

I advise that you take the name of your university off your location in your forum profile.

Longer · Joined: 08 Jan 2016 Posts: 28

Two things... One of my buds was in your shoes last year. Since he protested in mid semester the Uni (Big name Beijing Uni) could not afford to lose him and they actually have funds available for off-campus housing (like for when water lines break, etc). They ended up putting him at a 3 star hotel that has a great rate for visiting scholars and lecturers.

Although he won the battle, he lost the war. When his contract was up they opted not to renew it due to all the noise he made ranting about his housing. Guide yourself accordingly. This may also be of some help to you: http://eslwatch.info/forum/china/19-all-about-contracts-for-china-expat-foriegn-teachers-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly.html

Good luck peng you!

ChrisHenry15 · Joined: 03 Jan 2015 Posts: 99

As previously posted... Don't expect to be renewed.