Termination of teaching contract due to covid

Post new topic

Member since 15 June 2020

DeviatorzMember15 June 2020 02:50:43

I'll keep this as short as possible. I am currently the Head Department at an international school in China. I have been working there for many years. However, this year a new American principal came in and he's trying to literally take over the school (along with another Chinese admin through collusion). As such, he is trying to get rid of old foreign (and some Chinese) teachers including myself. He's successfully terminated the contract or have not renewed contracts for many teachers already. He is trying every possible way to get rid of me. Currently, he’s trying to do is to claim that I am stuck back home and can’t get back into China. They’ve given me an ultimatum which is if I don’t come back soon, they will terminate my contract which ends next year 2021. This semester was all online but coming September everyone will be going back to class (been approved).

I can emphasize that they must run this school and if I’m not back it’s a burden on the students. However, the Covid situation is clearly NOT the real reason since they were trying to get rid of me since last semester. One main reason is he’s trying to terminate me is that he can claim a course that I’ve built from the ground up as part of his curriculum. The academic principal is so unprofessional and stupid that he rants about me to other foreign teachers and Chinese staff (which I why I know this because I have great rapport with them) behind my back. I am wondering if anyone is or were in the same situation? What are the Chinese labor laws and is there I way to sue them for dismissal without cause for severance? Is this not the definition of discrimination? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

scurry30 New member

Member since 17 December 2016

scurry30New member06 July 2020 16:44:10

TBH:
I used to be in an International school too, and based on your description, it seems like a script that's happening everywhere, because i have the same feeling my school is doing the same..sad to say In China, there is no proper channel for you to vent your frustrations and let your voices be heard..my suggestion is to move on.

lrai Serial expat

Member since 29 October 2008

lraiSerial expat21 July 2020 04:29:19

212

Deviatorz:

Many International Schools in China are facing government restrictions and I do believe many will not re-open after COVID. Several of the schools in my city Changchun that were run by foreign entities have been shut down or will end this year because they can't get their license to operate renewed. Locally they ONLY want Chinese run schools with Chinese at the helm. It just may be time for you to move along.

If you are in China currently I could hire you because I need foreign teachers but if you are not in China good luck getting back here. I wish you well and as far as going after anyone, not worth your time or money. Best to brush the dust off and move on.

LRai

bforest Active member

Member since 20 January 2013

bforestActive member29 July 2020 02:06:11

The Employer shouldn't discharge a worker/labor except in the circumstances as stipulated by the China Laws of Employment Contract ( Article 39,40,41).

Guest8092 Guest

Guest8092Guest29 July 2020 06:09:24

Well unfortunately they did.

lrai Serial expat

Member since 29 October 2008

lraiSerial expat29 July 2020 21:58:09

212

Dear Bforest:

While giving us the article # and telling us this is Chinese Employment Law it really doesn't help much. Most of the time the Chinese Laws are in Chinese and the translations you can find are not that good. They can be very confusing and often don't apply to the local laws where you are. I have found after living here for 13 years, to fight the battles that I must and walk away from the rest as it's not worth it. Taking your Chinese employer to court is a losing battle for most expats and unless we are talking a great sum of money to be lost by the expat it's not worth it. Better to walk away and lesson learned, sorry to say that.

bforest Active member

Member since 20 January 2013

bforestActive member30 July 2020 01:27:10

That's your right to choose to fight against them, or to keep silent.

Articles to help you in your expat project in China

Finding work in Shanghai
Shanghai frequently tops the list of the most desirable destinations for expats in China — in no small part ...
Finding work in Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China, and as the country's major city, it offers a wide range of opportunities for ...
Finding work in Chongqing
A sprawling city at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is one of China's most ...
Finding work in Shenzhen
Shenzhen is known as the “Silicon Valley of hardware” in China — it's the city where a lot ...
Finding work in Xiamen
Xiamen is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in southern China and has a lot to offer to expats: from its ...
Finding work in Guangzhou
Guangzhou – formerly known as Canton – is the capital of Guangdong province. It's the ...
Work in Dalian
If you are looking for a job in Dalian, you will find opportunities in trade, logistics, marketing, technology, ...
Working in Jinan
Jinan is the capital of China's Shandong province. It's one of the most beautiful cities in China, known ...