Job Discussion Forums

[mavazah]

Please pass this on to anyone considering an offer of employment by this Australian based company who has a representative office in Beijing. The company is the Australian International Trade Association (AITA) The manager (and owner) is Michael Guo (Australian citizen but born in China). there has been at least one previous post here about this company. This man recruits teachers through the advertisements in the Australian press, he markets his business as though it has the endorsement of the Australian Government (through an Honorary Board of Aussie pollies who appear on his website) Guo employs people on the wrong visas (F and L) and threatens those who complain. I had the misfortune to work for him for 1 month as a teacher. He would not (now I know he is not legally endorsed to) begin the process to change my visa status, he threatened to not even extend the L visa, leaving me in the country not only working unlawfully but without any visa at all. He sent me off to teach with Australian course materials (for which he has no copyright) the materials were for Adult literacy courses not for ESL. He ripped off the school and rips off staff. When 2 other aussie colleagues and I went to confront him about his practices he went beserk in the office in front of his Chinese staff and a couple of new clients. He smashed up a tea set and tried to slash at one of my colleagues throat. We got police to come, along with interpreter but no charges for him because her throat wasn't actually cut....... His parting comments." thats china law". We are in the middle of taking more action as he will continue to do damage. We at least are all mature in years and with a great deal of resilience although it was pretty unnerving at the time. We've all moved on elsewhere in China having found our own positions without using an agent. However, we worry about other unsuspecting recruits who may find themselves alone, abused and at risk both physically and legally through his practices.

[Chris_Crossley]

[mavazah]

Thanks for this positive response. Yes the owner is a disgrace to both Australia and China. We are Australian born citizens and we love China and we have all chosen to be here. People like Michael Guo do a huge disservice to both these countries. We alerted the Australian Embassy, who do know of him, however their response was appalling. Their advice was 'just go home'. Nice one. We are of course not going home but have taken other steps within the appropriate Australian jurisdictions to have his company fully investigated. The fact that his business is registered in Australia certainly helps this process. If anyone else out there has any information that they wish to share in relation to this company please feel free to send me a pm.

[Keath]

We concur that AITA is probably one of the most diabolical, dangerous organizations making placement in China. Michael Guo is arguably one of the most frighteningly dishonest individuals in this business.

You can private msg or send mail to [email protected] if you want more information based on our short but horrible experience with this organization and its leader.

Keith Curran
www.journeyeast.org

[Keath]

If you are serious about pursuing charges against Michael Guo, maybe try contacting this guy. He used to work for Michael Guo and is forming a coalition to bring him down. [email protected]
His name is peter and he is seeking information about peoples experiences to present to the Chinese authorities.


Good luck.

Keith

[mavazah]

Keith, many thanks, I will follow up with both your suggestions. I am serious about bringing Guo's business to a halt.