Job Discussion Forums

slmgirl · Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Da Nang

Hi all -

I'm wondering if it's common practice in Vietnam (or around the world for that matter) to NOT get paid for classes cancelled by clients, even at the last minute. There have been several instances of this recently, which amounts to a good chunk of change I won't be receiving. Also, what about classes cancelled due to natural disaster -- we just had the typhoon here, and there were no classes that day.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

Cyan · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 59

Yes, that's normal - you get paid for the hours you work - actual class time.

Snaff · Joined: 20 Feb 2005 Posts: 142

slmgirl:

I agree with Cyan, for the most part.

But can't you ask your school or colleagues?

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

In my experience, it varies from school to school and depends on

the nature of the contract between the student and the school.

i.e., in terms of a worldwide norm, if there is such a thing ...

classes that are cancelled by the student with less than 24 hours notice

are often billed to the student at the full rate --- and paid to the teacher.

In plain English, if the student is billed, you should get paid.

Porlestone · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 95 Location: Asia

I think it depends on the way it was cancelled, even though there could and should be more succinct answers.

Somewhat in line with Kent's last sentence... If I showed up to the school at 7am for a 4 hour shift but had 2 hrs of it cancelled because of this or that, or students want to do the class "some other time" etc, then I'm not happy about it at all. I have experienced that and thought it was bad I should get nothing for it. I have also showed up for another cancelled class and got "half pay", which I deemed fair enough as a one time thing. I think the "nature" of it gives me the answer, if it was an unfortunate circumstance and the school shows it in their attitude then I can let it slide, even if I should or shouldn't. If however they are happy to spring it on me like the first example then that's messy business. But that isn't official.

slmgirl · Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Da Nang

Everyone- I appreciate the input. I guess in general it just amounts to an unfortunate reality when classes do get cancelled. But first I'll get info from the school on their policies, and take it from there. I might be getting back to you especially if anything strange surfaces. Thanks!

lizarddoctor · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 141 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

I have yet to be paid for a cancelled class, but at least the schools I work for give me enough advance notice so I can schedule something else in my free time. There are the 'act of god' instances where the power for a section of town goes down (quite too often even here in HCMC) for an extended period of time due to a thunderstorm, but the short blackouts are usually not enough to cancel a class. There is not a cancellation if the class is small, I have still taught to one student that showed up to class.