Job Discussion Forums

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

Yesterday we were told by our school, in their infinite wisdom, that they were changing up the last weeks of the school year schedule. Certainly we'll still get a 3-day weekend for the national holiday and then back to school on the 10th of June; work straight through to the 17th, off for 3 days, then work from 21st to 27th (last day of the term)! See, the school is "hosting" Senior 3 students from other schools to take national exams and classrooms are needed, thus the switcheroo.

I told the powers that be vocally and in an email that, after the 1st five days in the first block and the first five days in the second block, everything else is overtime. This is not like the exchange of days in a "golden week" holiday and working 8 days then 7 days in a row is not acceptable without adequate overtime compensation. It is early morning (not quite 8AM) the next day so obviously no response as of yet.

Not only is there overtime involved but they are taking away two weekends (4 days) and replacing them with a 3-day off block instead. This also seems to be that we are being penalized for the 3 day holiday weekend in this manner as well - - which is not supposed to happen, yes?

Remember when I've said I MOSTLY enjoy my school? This is one of those times when I sometimes DON'T!!

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

Kev, I'm with you all the way...But, I've often wondered about our power in "negotiating";what leverage do we really have ? We certainly can try,but but, we want more than the mere act of trying,eh ?
good luck !
William

patsy · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 179 Location: china

I'm amazed at how they work those long stretches without blinking an eye. One time at my school the teachers worked like 16 days with one day off due to making up the holiday and making up "sports meeting" days. You're doing the right thing and I hope they give you overtime at least.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

For some reason it looks like they are adding more days than they need to.

Whatever happens don't back down. Do you have a plan if they don't agree?

kingmalka · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject:

Which school Kev?

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

Yes, Patsy, I have/had a plan.

I never reveal my school name in public King Malka. As much as I "usually" enjoy my school, mentioning their name when complaining seems like shooting myself in the foot. Some of you reading may already know me and/or the school where I work.

Update: At this point it's "unofficial" but the school has allowed myself and other teachers affected by this 8-day work week to take the weekend off and not be penalized in our pay. Sadly, the Chinese teachers get no such allowance. They also decided through conversations with me and other teachers involved to have final classes/grades completed on June 25th instead of the 27th, thus only 5 work days after the 3-day break listed in my OP. So, sometimes stubborness and dialogue CAN work!