Job Discussion Forums

[max power]

Anyone out there with some personal experience with web int? Specifically their contracts? I want to know what parts are pretty standard points and what parts they're flexible on.

Thanks

[Babala]

The contracts are pretty standard. I like the fact that you can get out of your contract with one month's notice. I can help you out. What exactly did you want to negotiate? There's not much give but you may be able to swing a few things depending on what they are.

[myesl]

Babala, I think considering the frequency with which you answer Web Intl related threads your signature should state the fact that you are an employee of Web Intl. In fact, correct me if I am wrong, but you are a manager, right?

Your friend,

myesl

[Babala]

I do answer all Web threads because I do work here but I am not a manager. My branch of Web does not have a head teacher. I simply answer honestly.

[Babala]

Why is it that when any teacher says anything good about their school people just assume that must be getting something out of it

[Teababy]

Babala has gone on record before as working at Web. So why the fuss? She works there, she can talk about it. And she doesn't need to change her signature just to keep you informed.

[frank d]

Because I had worked with the education manager at another school (Canilx), within a few months after Web International-Nanjing opened, he contacted me and asked me to come and � tour our new training center and discuss the possibility of joining us.� Because he and I were friends, I agreed to do so. (This was September, 2004.)

The education manager and I had a pleasant interview during which he promised to make some special provisions for me in the standard contract. He also set-up a telephone interview with the teacher trainer in Shanghai, who later agreed my previous experience was enough to circumvent a trip to Shanghai for additional training. So far, so good.

I was quickly whisked into the HR office and handed a contract. None of the special agreements/adjustments to the contract appeared in the document. When I expressed misgivings, I was told �Yes, it is not directly in the contract, but you can trust us, it will be OK.� At that point, I said I needed time to think about it, and asked to meet some of the FTs presently working there. At first, they ran around and snagged an FT willing to give me the �party line,� which was obviously not entirely sincere. I said �Thanks, I�ll think about it,� and departed.

While waiting for the elevator, another FT approached me. He was just about to take a �smoke break,� and he agreed to speak to me out of earshot of administration. In fact, we went to another floor altogether. He told me the current FTs were particularly upset about a contract situation, and felt they had been tricked.

In the contract, a monthly housing allowance above and beyond the basic monthly salary for teaching was offered (standard in NJ at the time). But he said at Web, most teachers never receive it because of a sneaky stipulation. It seems Web-Nanjing was requiring the FTs to produce receipts/proof of rent payments to their landlords. According to him, such proof was impossible to come by as NJ landlords would refuse to provide these receipts, wanting to avoid any evidence of rental income. Without the receipt (according the contract) Web would not reimburse the rent to the FT. He said the FTs felt Web knew of this special feature of NJ landlord culture, and therefore tricked the FTs out of this substantial part of their earnings.

Also during our clandestine meeting, the disgruntled FT asked me: �Did they make any special promises to you that don�t actually appear in the contract?� Uh, yeah� he continued, �Don�t fall for it.� They will tell you �Trust us, but will later �forget� any such special agreements.� I�m thinking, OK, I�m outta here. I thanked him profusely for his honestly, and split.

About 2-3 months later, I learned that my friend the education manager, in a heated exchange with higher management, quit Web over the rental reimbursement trick with the FTs. It seems most the full time FTs were threatening to walk out soon if the situation was not remedied. When Ed. Mgr. could not get administration to change the policy, he too, decided it was time to go.

He first went to Nigeria for a translation job, but after a year, returned and began working as the education manager for a rival training school in Nanjing.

[myesl]

Babale may be known to you as a Web person, but not to all. She was telling me at one point somewhere on this board or a pm that she does hiring, so I assumed she was a manager.

It's not suspecting, it's just asking for the decency of full disclosure.

[Babala]

I don't see why I should make it known to ALL people on the board that I am a Web person. Most people don't say the name of their school. I have no problem with anyone knowing but I'm not going to advertise it In the past I have helped my school hire. I am not a manager but I do have an interest in who works here. These will be people I have to work with so of course I share my input with management.

[myesl]

Babala, when you post about Web, you should say you work there and help with hiring. If you don't it's shady, dishonest. Someone thinks they're just getting general advice but you are in fact a kind of spy then.

[Babala]

I have stated numerous times I work at Web. How else would I know about their contracts? I no longer help with hiring as we have a new center manager who now does it. I have stated before that I IN NO WAY GET PAID FOR HELPING!!!! I just like my school which is apparently a damn crime on this board

[l0ckx]

babala,

since you work for WEB, please comment on the housing allowance issue described by frank d.

thank you,
l0ckx

[DaXiangLouis]

[Babala]

The housing allowance differs depending on what area your Web is located in. I believe Shanghai gives a 3000 rmb allowance while my city gives a 2000 rmb (my city is not as expensive as Shanghai). At my school we have the option of getting the allowance and finding your own place or having the school secure an apartment for you. I chose the latter option as it was just easier for me.

[englishgibson]

Forgive me for buttin' in on this lovely conversation,