Job Discussion Forums

clomper · Joined: 07 Oct 2003 Posts: 251 Location: Beijing

I need help! My contract is till Sept.1.. the school doesn't want to pay for the July and August month since they said we're not working. Now, we're having a hard time with the ticket refund as well. I'm done with my exams and submitted my grades but can't leave since no refund yet.

As per contract, ticket refund will be at the end of the contract. We receive monthly payment for our salary and contract is from Sept 1, 2003 to Sept. 1, 2004.

Questions:
1. I want to extend my visa but school doesn't want to do it for me. Can I change it to an L-Visa here in China?? I could go to Hong Kong since I miss city life.
2. If I get a release letter, does that mean my contract ended already?
3. How will I be able to get a new job if my current contract is till Sept.1?? Won't I encounter any problems with my new employer?? Will it be considered a breach of contract??

Claudine

Healer · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 71 Location: In Beijin

How about using the SEARCH option?? maybe!!!

quanxie · Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 91 Location: The Sticks

Sorry to hear this, indeed a tough situation. Strange contract, most run from Sept 1st till sometime in July. First of all the expiration date in your green residency book over-rides that of the visa in your passport. So if your residency permit is valid till at least Sept 1st you WILL be ok, no need to chase down a new visa. But as to the airfare refund, if the contract states payment due at the end of contract vs. payment at the end of teaching, they can play hard ball and make you wait...

GET the Letter of Recommendation aka the release letter ASAP... You will need it to get your next job...IT doesn't end the contract

Does your contract mention getting a salary every month? If so, demand salary payment for July and August or else give me my airfare refund!!!

Good luck,
Phil in Jinan, soon to be Zhanjiang!!!

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

In my opinion, if you are contracted for 12 months, then you should be paid 12 months - regardless if you are teaching or not. If they give you the "it's a holiday" spiel, then check your contract carefully to see how it is worded. Were you paid full salary in January when there was a holiday? How about October and May? This is the one thing I urge all newcomers to do - - - discuss and get it in writing when it comes to pay and holidays. We had go 'round after go 'round at my school concerning these things. My next contract clearly states that I am paid full salary each month and it also states the total amount that I should have been paid by the end of the contract. I will bet you 100rmb that new teachers coming here in late August won't be so lucky.

Finally, be tough with your school if they are giving you the run around. You shouldn't have to languish there for two months due to what seems like a stupid clause. If your work is indeed done, then it seems like they are hoping you will get frustrated and just leave and they save a certain air fare reimbursement.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

If you are employed by a training centre, then I am curious as to why they are underworked at this juncture since at the onset of holidays, there is usually a massive enrolment for "summer camps".
But if they unexpectedly ran into a windless season there is very little you can do about it. There are two full months to go; I suggest you try an amicable settlement - forego your July and August dues in exchange for your early release with full entitlement to your airfare. Ask for a release letter so you can change jobs if you so desire.
You will have to compromise with them. Stay calm!

clomper · Joined: 07 Oct 2003 Posts: 251 Location: Beijing

Thanks for all the advice. I might forgo the July and August. They promised the release of the refund by June 30. If by July 1, they haven't released both refund and June salary, then it's a breach and a war! j/k I'm not a violent person.

The contract states monthly payments and extra Y3000 if I work during winter or summer holidays. We were paid in full every month including the winter holidays. I was able to spend a 3 wk holiday at home while it's freezing here.

Phil.. we're in Zhanjiang are you planning to transfer?? will that be in Zhanjiang Ocean Univ?? I can introduce to you some teachers there. I know of 5 who will be renewing their contracts. When are you coming here as well??

Claudine