are there any tips or strategies to use when negotiating a contract to ensure that, in the event of a later dispute, there is some advantage to the employee?
any other things to watch for that should be clarified upon signing a contract?
how to protect yourself in this preliminary stage to ensure a fair contract?
[quote=“bradandjack”]are there any tips or strategies to use when negotiating a contract to ensure that, in the event of a later dispute, there is some advantage to the employee?
any other things to watch for that should be clarified upon signing a contract?
how to protect yourself in this preliminary stage to ensure a fair contract?[/quote]
Can’t do too much there unless it’s specified in your contract (in Chinese) that there is a limit to class sizes.
If it’s not in your contract, just say no. An hour or two here or there for ‘goodwill’ won’t kill you but maintain a backbone.
If you’re uncomfortable with it, say no.
Simple. Don’t accept less than your contract specifies.
Really, most of your concerns are the very reason there is a contract. There are all kinds of horror stories around about certain schools/employers not respecting the terms of the contract but that’s because most teachers/employees think of themselves as indentured servants without any options or rights. Of course that’s only as true as you make it.
It’s sad but true that contract abuse is commonplace in Taiwan. I’ve heard numerous stories of employers changing their contract after it has been signed. If you experience contract abuse, I would encourage you to make use of these phone numbers:
Ministry of Education
International Community Service Hotline
0800-024-111
Yes, it’s pretty difficult not to do this if you work for a chain because you will be expected to at least cover absences for sick leave and holidays at other branches. You may also be working at a branch which is not yet licensed so that one won’t be on your ARC either. You may not have enough hours if you insist on being at only one branch.
It’s hard to be 100% legal. It’s not impossible, but it’s hard for you to control, to be honest. Just be aware and you should be fine. Don’t worry too much and use this site for info and you’ll be ok. If you work at a big chain, your chances of getting busted are minimal. While I’m not saying it’s impossible, it is not in the chain’s interest to have you deported either.
Given that this is illegal, I’m not sure there’s any need to have it in the contract.[/quote]
Yeah, except that half the schools expect you to do it.[/quote]
Sure, and back in the day I ended up subbing at a bunch of branches I wasn’t registered at, like everyone else. But my point was that if they’re going to expect you to do illegal things, then the contract is irrelevant – were you inclined to fight them about it, you could do so on the legal issue.
Honestly though I think all the things you mentioned are not best handled by contract negotiation … the school would likely just ignore it when convenient anyway, and there wouldn’t be much you could do about it.
There are better ways to get good treatment than to ask for it.
