Job Discussion Forums

friendmole · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 10

I taught at Maly Rynek for a short time and have many friends working there.I am writing this although I no longer work there because I feel that those who still work there have much to lose and do not want to jeopardise their positions.
Almost without exception ,teachers, some of whom have been working there for years have to beg, cajole and generally prostrate themselves before the management to receive their monthly pay.The payment eventually arrives, but the humiliation of constantly having to beg to receive it is degrading.This was my personal experience as well while working there.
Considering the school knows it will eventually pay, I see this as a form of psychological conditioning and completely unfair.Noone has to plead with the teachers to teach their students, the teachers shouldn't have to plead for the money coming to them for providing said service.The school is making alot of money and this is not a case of not being able to cover costs.Teachers who have to ask constantly to get paid are less likely to ask for raises or complain about anything.I should also add that the pay there is nothing spectacular by Krakow standards, averaging 35 PLN an hour.
I'd love to hear if anyone has similar stories or observations.
Thanks

katers · Joined: 19 Jun 2008 Posts: 31

hi there,

this was a useful post to read. however, what was your experience like in general of working at this school? were other aspects of your job positive? i am wondering whether to apply there or not.

thanks,

katy

friendmole · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 10

Hey Katy-
The teachers are great and the support staff as well.Many people have been there for years.If you can get past the salary grovelling, it's a nice place.

simon_porter00 · Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 505 Location: Warsaw, Poland

The next time you discuss your contract or the first time you do, depending on your circumstances, make sure that in the English and Polish version of the contract (a contract in English is an ABSOLUTE must with any school you work for - if they won't give you one, don't work for them) there is a section that details payment must be made by the 10th of every month. This gives the school enough time to make finances available at the beginning of the month, and if they pay late hand in your 1 month's notice.

Now i appreciate the market in Krakow isn't the same as it is in Warsaw, here in Warsaw you can pretty much walk from one job to another, but it will give you some rights when it comes to money.

PS, nearly all contracts of employment through language schools are uneforceable anyway, they're just there to scare you to do the work. [/u]

Janek · Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Krakow, Poland

You are right!!! Avoid Maly Rynek! One year ago they offered me 15 PLN/h for in-company-courses. By the way, they are really nice ladies. But, of course, I did not accept the offer.

Some months later I heard stories from teachers (including two who worked for them) and language school owners that they haven't paid their teachers at all. Maybe only the native speakers got their money, the polish one did not.