Job Discussion Forums

tazmania · Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Posts: 19

Hi all,

Has anyone else been offered a contract containing a clause like the one below? I know this is not standard practice for FTs, but this is quite common for the Chinese teachers. Has anyone got a clause like this in their current contract??

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I don't even understand their garbled reasoning for this - no, I have NEVER come across such a clause in any contract!

saint57 · Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 11:29 pm Post subject:

Red Flag! This is frequent in Korea, but I've never heard of it in China. It's a sign of a place that likes to treat its employees like crap. They need the bond to make you think twice ablout leaving them.

KES · Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 722

Definitely pass.

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

in korea they routinely keep what amounts to about 20% of a months salary (retained over a period of the first three months). noone likes this idea except the schools. however korean schools put out more money initially to get the teacher in the first place, including a plane ticket from wherever to korea. a bit more justified in the korean case, but certainly not in china where the teacher is often already here at their own expense.

tazmania · Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Posts: 19

Thanks for the advice I agree that this is a sure sign that the employer will treat you like crap in the future, and so wants to make you think twice about leaving.

This clause was taken from two different contracts that were offered to me when i was in still in Changchun, the culprits being TS/Tianshuo and Star Education.

tazmania

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

In Taiwan, salary deductions such as this are specifically stated as being illegal. The same may be true in China but I am not aware of such legislation.

One thing is for sure and that is that if you do accept a position with such a clause then you are best to calculate your earnings based upon the assumption that you will never see that bonus they speak of. I am not trying to suggest that you would never get it as many schools and companies have such clauses and do actually pay this money, I just think that it is better to get a nice surprise on top of your wages rather than be let down after relying upon this money to come through.

I tend to agree with the others though. If you can find a better position then don't hesitate to walk away from the current offerings.

vikdk · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 1676

Get in and at 'em C - what an epic bolshie post - good on ya mate - you been drinking tonight Laughing