Job Discussion Forums

[Erutpar]

I'm still somewhat new to Chinese school contracts. I was sent this offer, and found this:

[GeminiTiger]

Most contracts have a termination clause. It's usually just about one month salary. This particular clause is absolutely ridiculous as it states a six month advance notice. Obviously that is basically impossible whatever situation would take you from the job isn't going to allow a six month notice. Also an employee should be able to terminate their job immediately under some situations. For example all of my contracts have had a clause about proper working and living conditions provided by the school, illness or other emergency situations that would cause you to leave a post.

In my opinion a clause like this is a window into the employers soul. I see eternal darkness, do not accept this offer. When you see a clause like this you are guaranteed to be eventually swindled one way or another.

[Lobster]

Chinese labor law states:

[therock]

You would be better off doing a runner. No doubt this employer would pay the monthly salary in the middle or end of the following month, so even if you did a runner you'd still lose 2 or 3 weeks pay. Still better than coughing up 2 months salary! Better yet, don't accept the job.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

6 months' notice? Wow...

Pass.

[stinkytofu]

The way the contract is written, there's not much incentive to tell them your leaving. At many schools your better off getting fired than giving notice your leaving, that way you don't have to pay anything and the manager will make sure you leave ASAP. Just come to work drunk the day you want to quit.

[samhouston]

Don't forget references and/or release letters if you want to avoid starting from scratch with your next job in China, if that applies.

[Brian Hugh]

Heh it's better than what most people have in the education field. You don't have to pay for the position.

[The Edge]

LOL at some of the contracts that are knocking about these days.
LOLouder at people who sign them.

[Miles Smiles]

This clause may indicate that the school cannot keep teachers and/or the school has money problems and is trying to profit from anything and anything.

That money will probably go into someone's pocket and the books will show it as FT salary.

The past two schools I've worked for have pulled some annoying stunts solely to make or save money. Air conditioning was turned off in the summer and the heat wasn't turned on until the FTs threatened to quit. (Our contracts called for a/c and heat throughout the year). One of the schools required FTs to vacate the premises during the winter and summer and move into a hotel at our expense.(wait. The school did offer to pay for the wi-fi in the hotel room if it was available).

The apartments were rented out to Chinese people. (Nobody knew who they were. They just made a mess and rifled through the FT's belongings).

I think we're going to see more and more weird clauses in contracts as the Chinese economy continues to tank.

[Lobster]

Well, if you signed a contract that allowed them to boot you out of your apartment, what can you say? If you stayed after the AC was turned off. why?

Wait, the Chinese economy is tanking? Really? Oh no, not again! I hate it when that keeps happening.

RED

[Mr. English]

Employment contracts in China are negotiable, and most legitimate employers will negotiate; no reason to ever sign such garbage.

[The Edge]

Most employment contracts for FT's are not worth the paper they are written on.
Some are very funny though so always keep them for experience and humour purposes.

[Erutpar]

When I expressed my dissatisfaction with these terms, this is the response I received

[GeminiTiger]

it's bunk toss this job.