Job Discussion Forums

[gossamerwillow]

Hello All,

Here's the issue. I will be switching companies after my contract expires June 30th. My new company has started to try to prepare my documents for the transition, however my current company is not willing to be very accommodating. My new employer has stated they need a recommendation letter, deregistration of my FEC, and also the release letter. Last year, my employer gave all these things to me so I could switch to my current employer. However, this year, my current employer is telling me that they do not (or will not) give me the release letter. My new employer stated that they can go without it, but the process of transferring my residence permit is going to take 2 months instead of 1. My current employer is going to make me wait on the other documents until June 23rd as it is and my permit expires July 20th. I had quite a few travel plans for this summer, so I'm not happy about the prospect of having to wait 2 months here just because my current employer won't type up a short letter. So, what I need to know is if this is legal. Are the allowed to keep this document from me? If so, what can I do about it? Thank you in advance for any help you can give me!

[Non Sequitur]

You're probably a bit early.
I appreciate that your new employer wants to get as much paperwork as possible out of the way before the holiday.
As has often been mentioned, the warm goodwill that you thought existed between you and your employer evaporates in the light of 'I'm leaving'.
I assume they have asked you if you want to sign on again. 'Face' is still a big issue.

[gossamerwillow]

Well, to be honest, this company is generally hard to work with. That's why I am leaving...one of the reasons at least. They've already known for several months that I was going to find a different company. There are at least 6 other teachers in this company that will be relocating as well. So, either they figure it out or there will be a lot of angry people. In any case, what I want to know is if they are legally obligated to provide this or not?

[Non Sequitur]

'Legally' in the Chinese sense or Western i.e as per the documentation?
Yes in the Western sense but the documents are a start point for Chinese.
Start the pressure game and I know it's hard to hold your students hostage but there it is.
Talk to your monitors and gauge their reaction. Let them make an announcement in class in Chinese. I doubt it will be the who cares attitude you describe.
If you have final year students start in their classes.
I wish I could be more soothing but sorry..

[gossamerwillow]

Ok, this leads me to ask a separate question. My school is separate from my company. If I asked the school to write a letter I'm sure they would. It's my company that's giving me so much trouble. However, I did sign the contract with the company and they placed me at the school. Is it possible to just have the school do the letter for me?

[Non Sequitur]

Unlikely in my view.
They are very good at citing the parts of the contract THEY want enforced.
Your contract is with the company and this may explain why the FAO goes blank.
She may very well know nothing.
However your only tool is the students. So talk to your monitors starting tomorrow.