Job Discussion Forums

[Steve Jones]

I have just received a phone call from Enlighten / Enlightenment English this afternoon (the company that I work for) saying that they are firing me and I have to leave my accomodation by tomorrow.

They are citing that I didn't do my job properly because I refused a 40 minute Kindergarten class in the summer break and also I refused to do a 2 hour Kindergarten class during the summer break, even though I told them at the start of the summer break I had a summer camp to do on that day. Although I did do 14 other 2 hour blocks of lessons at Kindergartens for them during this summer break.

All through last term I was on time for every lesson and didn't have 1 single day sick leave.
I also did o/t each week at Kindergarten's to help them out and to boost my poor wages.

They terminated 2 Canadian teachers contracts at the beginning of the summer break.

Another English teacher is flying home tommorrow and they threatened him with legal action for breaking his contract even though they think that they can just terminate my contract (half way through it) with lame excuses).

I said that I was willing to work for them next term, then they go and stab me in the back.

Another teacher may be leaving, so all the teachers from last term have left (except me as I refused to agree to the termination, stating that in my contract it say's either party have to give a months notice in writing).

At the begining of last term 3 teachers left the company as well and they warned us about enlighten, but we decided to give the company the benefit of the doubt.

I'm not going to take this lying down.

But be warned, if you work for this company sooner or later they will screw you.

[Steve Jones]

Just to keep you all updated on the current situation.
I have today sent a letter to several law firms in Shanghai to see if they can represent me in this labour dispute.
It's about time someone tried to do something about this kind of situation.
It's not ok for us to break our contracts, but it is ok for them to break contracts at the drop of a hat.
I'll keep you all updated.

[Norman Bethune]

Do they owe you money? If so How much?

No flight home now, I presume?

Did you contact the education authorities first about your situation?

It may not be worth getting a lawyer unless you want to have to play Chinese "wait until the foreigner gives up and leaves" mediation games by your former employer. Unless the company owes you a lot of back wages, fighting may not be in your best interest. Lawyers cost money. If they owe you over 30,000 Rmb I'd say get a lawyer and fight but be prepared for the long haul. If less than 10,000 Rmb I'd say try government agencies for help first. If less than 5000 Rmb, walk to a new job and don't look back.

Even if you win in principle, you will lose money and time and peace of mind while on the road to victory.

I've been there and done that and will never do it again. Cut your losses, for your own sake. This is China. The same rules don't apply as in the west in these matters. Learn the lesson, move on.

This kind of thing happens all the time. Standard practice.

[Millerlong]

I think I know the company you are talking about. The boss is called Annie right? Her husband is also a lawyer!!! Be prepared to lose.

[AsiaTraveller]

What a fine name for such a crappy school: "Enlightenment"

Sounds like Steve has more of it than the school.

Good luck!

[Steve Jones]

Went back to the office one week later, (the day after I moved out of the flat) after I had found another place to live.
Before they would give me anything, I had to sign a piece of paper saying that the termination of contract was done with friendly negotiations !
They paid me the wages they owed, minus reasonable bills and gave me my green and red book back to me.

Out of the flat deposit of 1000Y they stopped 700Y rent for the 7 days whilst I was finding alternative accommodation.
They also stopped me 200Y for a broken glass door which happened whilst I was out of the apartment.
The owner said that if he wanted he could keep the work permit book and cause me trouble !
I had to remind him that I was not a 20ish year old kid, but a man of 47 and if he wanted trouble then bring it on !

He said that he would provide me with a glowing reference for the future, if I needed one !
I told him that I didn�t need any kind of help from him !
He then asked if I would shake hands with him ?
The answer was � I only shake hands with people I trust�.

So if Enlighten / Enlightenment of Shanghai (no personal names mentioned) offer you a job, you have been warned. On your head be it.

[Steve Jones]

Update. (The last one).
The only other teacher in the company has left now.
They actually told her the reasons that I had left were.........

1. I had a major personality problem ? (At least I have a personality).
2. I was not looking after myself ? (Oh yes I am).
3. That I had decided to leave ? (No, they broke the contract).

Message to all the new teachers that they will employ...........
Why do they need 5 teachers ?
Why didn't the teachers stay more then one term ?

Sorry, but you will find out the hard way Good luck.