Job Discussion Forums

Hendahu · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 69

Since I have accepted a new position at another school for the next school year, my current employer has lost the loving feeling so to speak. I understand this, but now a rather serious question has arisen and I would like your input on this. My contract calls for a 1250 US Dollar reimbursement for roundtrip airfare, or approx 10000 yuan. Very generous by Chinese standards. The problem may be getting it. Now I am told I will need not only the reciept of my ticket here, ( no real problem, I just wished they asked for it 10 months ago...now I gotta look for it), but also proof of my ticket back to the states. Well that is a problem. I am not heading back to the States for a while. My plans are not final yet and depend on the competiton of work for my visa and FEC for next year. Last year a cash reimbursement was not a problem, it was even preferred. Anyone else have this kind of trouble? I wish I could say I am surpirsed...but nothing here ( at this job, not China as a whole) surprises me anymore.

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

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=39932&highlight=air+fare

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=39529&highlight=air+fare

Hendahu · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 69

Malsol, thanks for the link. My contract did call for round trip, not one way. I feel they are just being snitty right now, and if push comes to shove, I will get a freaking ticket back for sometime in July. My real concern is that this was not an issue until recently, but that is human nature. I just miss working with uncomplicated schools who honored their word. There are many out there. Thanks again.

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

Well, again, it's all about what's in your contract. Does it ask for a receipt in exchange for "up to" 10,000rmb (based on the purchase price of your ticket) or does it just say the school will give you 10,000 rmb at the end of the school term to cover the cost of a plane ticket (or even stated as a year-end "bonus")? It's all in the wording. Some schools that offer only a one-way trip home will just buy the plane ticket for you or, if you are coming back (like me), a RT ticket. However, my school has my receipt from last year so they are giving me the balance left over in cash.

Believe it or don't but most legit schools have accounting departments and bookkeeping and taxes they have to pay to the government. Shoot, even if I go out to get something for an art project and I pay 50 yuan, I still have to produce a receipt if I want the school to reimburse me! Shelling out an extra 10,000 may mean a tax break or something, but they have to submit the receipt to the Chinese Tax Department (or whatever it's called).

Hendahu · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 69

Good point. No mention on the reciept in the contract. But the wording is vague enough that it could go either way. I have a solution, per a suggestion from an internet guy. I can give them a reciept if needed, and still maintain my flexability. Thanks for the insight.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

If they tighten the screw so close to the expiry date of your contract then it's pointless trying to insist on their contractual obligations; they are more interested in how to drive a hard bargain and you can only lose.
The best tactic is to seemingly go along with their new requirements - get a refundable return ticket, cash your funds, then ask for a refund.