By continuing you agree to eChinacities's Privacy Policy .
Sign up with Google
Sign up with Facebook
Q: Boss terminating contract, refuses to give letter of release...Options? New visa instead of renewal?
Currently, I'm working at a private school in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia. Yes I know the name is ridiculous.
Yes, I did get the z-visa and RP, I triple checked every step along the way.
LONG STORY SHORT: Boss fires me via text, refuses to give written notice (as per contract) refuses to give letter of release.
MAIN QUESTIONS: Can a new employer get me a completely new visa (START FROM SCRATCH) without the letter of release?
Some OTHER SCHOOLS have told me they can help me get a completely new visa without the release letter, does anyone know if this holds true???
Am I screwed if she refuses to give the release letter?
LONG STORY LONG
The director started complaining that the school loses too much money and they blamed me. They have 3 schools, freshly renovated, and now 150 students (started at 40 when I arrived) It's been 6 months now the boss has only paid me the full month's salary 3 of those months. She takes salary from me (2000 at a time) for things like asking my recruiter who brought me here to help resolve these conflicts.
I recently asked the boss if we can talk to the director, because she has been working against me in the classroom (she interrupts constantly and disrespects me in front of others). The boss replied with this, "You are just an employee, I can get a westerner any time I want".. Then blocked me on wechat, THEN messaged me via text saying she doesn't need me the end of this term in January. She said be out of the apartment by March 1st, and refuses to negotiate or even discuss the release letter.
-I have video footage of her admitting she will give no release letter or recommendation letter.
-I have physical proof of her paying me less than the salary (documents)
-I have messages from her threatening to fire me if I did not work on holidays
(even though the contract clearly states I am entitled to national holidays).
8 years 15 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
So...long story short. Calls from the bureau, and evidence of my boss breaking the contract made her fold like a LAWN CHAIR.
She will provide all the documents I demanded for ending my contract peacefully.
1.) Letter of Release
2.) FEC cancellation papers
3.)Good Recommendation Letter
She doesn't attempt to blacklist me.
Her threats of me 'stealing a key' were bunk, the video footage showed me getting a piece of paper from her office (which she could have asked me to get).
The boss will let me leave the school January 30th, with all release papers in hand to be on my merry way to shanghai, beijing, or whatever school I cherry pick next. ahhhhh so sweet, the nectar of victory.
She signed and stamped a statement that she will indeed provide the documents I demand, AND give a good review of me, all on video.
Done and DONE.
She doesn't want any more calls from the bureau, and certainly doesn't want to lose her company license (the bureau threatened to)
sorrel:
congrats!!
hope your next place works out better.
remember to document all, no matter how civil your interaction with your employer is. in the meantime be sure to secure personal items on the remote off-chance she tries to take revenge in some manner.
Hotwater:
Congrats seconded. Good to hear it worked out and the FEB helped.
icnif77:
Can you c&p SAFEA's (address) and phone no., which answered your phone call in Nei Mongol?
AladinSane:
If you found out tomorrow that this woman was beaten to death in an alley would you be sad or happy?
Zethe:
@Aladin
If you mean my boss, no I certainly wouldn't want to see that happen to anyone.
I'm not sure if you're asking me or icniff77
icnif77:
Which SAFEA's telephone number answered you call in Nei Mongol?
I want to update 'SAFEA address and contact numbers' thread.
Java.Joe:
Your experience just proved EVERYTHING you read here about contracts in China for foreigners: http://eslwatch.info/forum/china/19-all-about-contracts-for-china-expat-foriegn-teachers-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly.html?start=6#747
and at these three links as well...
http://eslwatch.info/china.html
I will leave your details at school aside, and tell you what you can do.
Employer must give both documents (RL and FEC Cancel Certificate) to you or to your new employer in 30-days after your last working day. ------>Chinese law.
Your new employer won't be able to extend your RP without both documents, in other words, you're looking at China exit, and new Z visa application in HK (if you're lucky), but most likely at Chinese Embassy in your country of origin.
You could (I would/did) contact SAFEA (Foreign Expert Bureau), which will make your previous employer issue both documents and pay late salaries ASAP.
Enter 'SAFEA' in search above for address and contact no. of Provincial SAFEA in your Province.
Dial them up, and explain your problem to them. Every SAFEA I dialed, English speaking Chinese agent answered the phone, and my matter was resolved quickly.
I suggest you to be polite at SAFEA. Ask for help and advice!
I usually ask for agent's email address, and offer detailed explanation of the problem through email.
Please, return to the Board with your impressions of Chinese Gov.
I think, you're required to present RL to new employer at new Z application. I believe, RL must be shown in order SAFEA issue new Working permit.
I'm talking out of my own experience, and I always had RL.
There's USA teacher, who plans to return to China, but he didn't receive RL from the last employer. He was dismissed, and required to exit China in 7-days. I don't know reasons for dismissal, but he violated the Contract somehow. I can tell more as soon as I'll know did he or he couldn't return to China (get new Z).
Zethe:
The other schools I had mentioned had also said I would need to go to HK and redo everything from scratch...to not even attempt a renewal or extension....
I'm trying to figure out if that is an option without a RL.
Do you know?
icnif77:
You can test that fairly easy: Your new employer must apply for new Working permit and Invitation letter, both docs. needed at Z application.
If you plan to apply in HK, Invitation letter with Z visa pick-up (HK) must be stated on IL, which must be approved by SAFEA.
In big cities in China, you won't get that lucky.
Ask your new Z sponsor, if they are sure (and how they're sure?), Z can be pick-up in HK.
Then, exit to HK, and wait for WP and IL to be send to you in original by mail. It took them about 25 days since my exit to get WP and IL in Fujian in 2014. I had RL in that time.
Rep must ask at SAFEA, if they'll grant IL with HK pick-up, and he can also find out if RL is necessary for new WP.
I'm thinking, it might not be possible to get new Z without RL. If that would be possible, FT could just walk out of Z/RP sponsor, and apply at another Z sponsor. Not that I know, that's possible. I'd say, think you'll need RL.
I'm guessing. I'm not sure about RL and new Z.
Zethe:
Last time I went to hong kong it worked...I'm just hoping starting from scratch overrides the need for a release letter.
icnif77:
In my opinion, it doesn't override need for RL. example: 'FT isn't happy at RP sponsor, and find new Z/RP sponsor. He/she walks away, and start with new Z application'.
That would be fairly easy to quit RP sponsor.
As I know (I quit RP sponsor and kept my RP intact), SAFEA helped me get RL&FEC Cancel Cert. out of the Dalian RP sponsor. I resigned, because of the School's Contract violations.
School in Fuk., Xinjiang, extended my RP without any problems with both docs. handy.
Zethe:
yeah...I can't wait to call SAFEA tomorrow, and now that I think of it, I should also give that resignation notice to her, regardless of if she is firing me or not...
I hope SAFEA can help me clear up these issues..the nearest department is in Hohhot, an hour flight from here.
icnif77:
No worries for 'how far is FEB'. You can deal with SAFEA over the phone/email. No need to be present at HQ in person. They have all data about you and your employer, and if employer is wrong, they'll just dial their ph. no. You'll see employer's changing his/her behaviour very fast.
Tell them your name, nationality, and place where you work. Offer them detailed explanation over the email. Be polite, and ask for help and advice.
icnif77:
Resignation notice: ''when you give RN you must state the reason, which must be contrary from promise-s on the Contract, i.e. 'late or no salaries', 'more hours assigned then per Contract', 'apartment not suited as per Contract', and similar.''
Always try to respect RN on the Contract, i.e. '30-days' or whatever term is stated on the Contract.
Meaning of RN is 'you can't give RN and walk out of School tomorrow, unless 'cause for RN' warrants immediate resignation, i.e. 'apartment not suitable for living', 'repeated late or no salaries' and similar.
If you respect RN on the Contract, you give your employer chance to get your replacement. It is similar to 'FT not having Contract violations', and SAFEA will 'value' that.
Zethe:
@icnif77
One of the schools claiming to be able to start a new visa from scratch without a RL is one I kept in contact with since before I came to China.
2 of the FTs there who showed me their RPs, FECs, and visas and vouched that they've either been through or know people who been through the same situation, and the Canadian DOS claimed they will take care of each 'problem' step by step as they unfold...
They sounded very convincing...showed experience, and explained they wanted to start my process right away, so asked me to sign a contract, send it to them, and sign another face to face.
This is the situation with one school I am putting hopes into.
Then again...this IS china, anything can happen, anyone can say anything..
icnif77:
Just watch when they'll say they are unable to get Z, and they'll offer you F.
Dial any SAFEA and ask for advice.
Zethe:
Yeah...it looks like either I'm taking a long vacation, going to Thailand or Korea, or somehow getting a LoR if SAFEA magically pulls through...
Advise you school director that you have documented evidence that they are in breach of contract - if they are.
advise them that you are going to contact your local foreign experts office should they not comply.
do not communicate with them without either email back-up or recorded conversations.
include a trusted local friend.
sounds like they are just trying to BS you and seeing how far they can go.
Contact SAFEA make sure you have proof of non payment. Make sure you have definitive proof that they said they will not give you the documents. Make sure you have your FEC
Well...Cannot contact the SAFEA office via phone. They don't answer calls.
There is no listed email.
Only an address, so I guess I'll have to go to that city personally for any help...
Shining_brow:
Or... get onto an expat forum up in Nei Mongol, or Hohot.. and ask them! Any GOOD expat forum should have such details in a sticky!
No, you're not supposed to be able to score another job without the RL.
Yes, they are legally required to give you one - no matter what (it basically says "you are no longer employed by us" - so of course it's required by law!!! With all the hoops and hurdles to be jumped through to not only be allowed to hire foreigners in general, but also to get you here - the government is NOT just going to let them get away with that!)
Don't bother doing a HK trip until necessary - ie, after the 30 days have elapsed.
As Sorrel said - don't communicate with them except via email - and be careful what you write! Make your statements short, clear, to the point. Such as - "You have breached the contract on numerous occasions - including XYZ.. I have the documented evidence of this". "SAFEA will be contacted, and I will show them that you have refused to issue a Release Letter, which is part of your legal requirements when having a license to hire Foreign Experts".
Don't make threats in an email, or a text message 
Lastly name the company, and the people involved, and write up a long instant by instant experience - and then post it on the various other ESL in China forums (after you've got your money). Don't let others get sucked into this place!
So if I can't get ahold of SAFEA via phone or email in this province, could I contact the local (in this city) PSB or Exit/Entry bureau?
How privy is a SAFEA office to someone walking in? I could fly over to Hohhot.
Inner Mongolia - NingxiaInner Mongolia
Hohhot, Zhongshan E. Rd, Tuanjie Lane, No.8
0471-6914612
Ring the bell several times a day till somebody answer it.
If no luck, dial Heiliongjiang (or Jilin or Liaoning) and ask for contact no. of Hohhot's office.
Heilongjiang Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs
Add:No 68 Xiangfang district, Harbin city, Heilongjiang province
Tel: 0451-87130148
There's no need to travel there, if nobody's answering the phone.
Addresses and phone numbers we have on our link here are Provincial HQ details. I've never realised, there's no phone no. for Hohhot office on our link.
SAFEA (Foreign Expert Bureau) is the same office, where you went with your employer, not too long after you arrived to China. You had to give them one photo. It's an Gov. local office with loads of flags outside. Some 10 days or so later, you received Foreign Expert Certificate, blue booklet with your photo, Chinese text and some 6-8 pages.
How to find an address of local (your city's) SAFEA: 'step in the Bank, where you hold an account (or any other bank in the city), and ask them for help with address and phone no. of local branch of SAFEA.'
You can do the same (ask for an address) in any office (Hospital, Pharmacy), where you know somebody speaks English. Good luck!
icnif77:
Here, try Ningxia:
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs
Add: No 40 Shanghai East Rd, Yinchuan city, Ningxia Hui autonomous region
Tel: 0951-5099077,0951-5099089
Fax: 0951-5099013
Email: nxwzj2010@163.com
Don't send an email to the listed email address, because nobody's looking at that emails. Ask the person who's replying phone call for an email address, and offer detailed explanation through the email.
Zethe:
Thanks for the information...yep that's the number that hasn't been answering.
I'll try the other contacts..going to the FEB tomorrow with a potential employer who actually flew out to this city to see me...Hopefully that will help.
icnif77:
SAFEA isn't police& firefighters emergency no. You must work on it, till somebody picks up the phone. Several times a day, several different days (I don't remember, in which Province was that. Fujian, I think.)
If you'll still need SAFEA, dial Liaoning SAFEA or any other Province bordering Nei Mongol for contact numbers in Mongol. Fluent English speaker was answering the phone in Dalian SAFEA. In 2012.
By the way: THIS is the school, they are already posting another teacher ad!
icnif77:
There are two adverts on 'Jobs', all expired.
http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/50587-please-help-boss-verbally-terminating-contractrefuses-to-give-letter-of-release/
Zethe:
http://jobs.echinacities.com/jobchapter/1354504177
Apologies, I thought I posted the link.
Here it is...and in poor English.
This is very sad because the last 3 times she posted a job ad during my employment I politely corrected her and she said thank you..then never corrected herself.
Chhris:
They don't mention anything about work visa. Are you sure you are on Z visa with FEC? Did they arrange these for you?
Zethe:
Most definitely, I checked their school license, double and triple checked every process along the way...The FEC and PR is under her school name, under an apartment contracted by the school
The Z-visa was sponsored by them (I kept all the original paper work including copies of IL to HK.)
and after I came back, I went to the bureau in Beijing to ask them my status as an Expat, they said everything checks out, but did give me frowns and annoyance for checking...
It did take them 3 months to get everything lined up though...and a lot of pressure to try to make me teach before it was done (I said no and lounged around til it was done...no chances to be taken on my part). This MAY contribute to why my boss is still resentful of me.
Zethe:
The thing is...she is refusing to talk to me about cancelling my FEC or PR...
Last time we talked (and I recorded it) she said she won't do anything, she'll just send me on the street...and I can deal with everything myself.
Also, when she did my visa, I had to hold her hand through every step, fix all her clerical mistakes, and call the office multiple times myself...
Zethe:
@Chhris
http://www.ei-teacher.com/esl-jobs-china/rmb-13kchifengchinaenglish-teaching-position/
check it out, it's them as well.
z-visa included here...to be honest my boss is really careless and stupid, but stupid rich.
Her husband owns the Dunlop tire chains in this city, and she's renovated and bought out nice locations in the city...
but loses a LOT of money per month (she constantly talked to me about her borrowing money from her husband's company when asking me to do extra hours).
Trust me, doing all the proper steps were the FIRST thing on my mind when I came here, and she just so happened to be rich enough at the moment to pull it off...and now she's firing me+just sold one school building
Englteachted:
Stupid question, did you get your FEC in Hohhot/? Or Chifeng?
Zethe:
@Englteachted:
From what I recall, calling Hohhot repeatedly was a huge part of it, for the work permit, for the IL, for the FEC.
The residence permit was definitely the easiest part IMO. Just went right to the Chifeng PSB.
If your employer is terminating your contract and it has been breached by them, as Shining said, keep emailing them in clear, simple, polite and unambiguous English.
Email them over and over and over again - the same email if necessary.
Remember, you made her lose face more than once, and that is unforgivable.
Alternately you could try the passive aggressive approach, that is commonly employed by Chinese people, and appear at her office with a gift (and a local friend) before you corner her into having the conversation.
I had to do that once with my first Chinese boss to get my passport back.
Keep your tone civil and calm at all times - it confuses them when they lose their temper.
Today was a big day.
Went to the PSB (Exit/Entry) with a friend.
At first they were reluctant to help, said "it's none of our business".
My friend insisted my boss was refusing to give the letter of release and terminate my contract correctly.
The lady stood up, immediately called her boss.
The PSB boss knows my emplyer in some way, I've seen her before.
She called my boss almost immediately in front of me, then came out to speak to me in English when I requested more help.
They did some shady looking whispers with their backs to me...
Then I asked what should I do?
I showed her my Chinese contract, the part where it requires mutual written consent to cancel the contract.
She spoke in chinese to my friend, who said my employer must give the papers in order for them to cancel my residence permit, at which time they will issue an exit visa or enough time to go to another city.
The PSB boss turned to me, asked me in English, do you want to stay or leave?
I said I want to stay, my boss is terminating the contract (looking innocent).
She said, I should go to the Education Bureau...
THEN my boss texted me and said I know everything you have done, if you cause trouble more I will send videos of you stealing a key from a desk in the school cameras, then it will be more than just cancelling your visa.
She's threatening me with blackmail with what???Videos of me going to the main desk to grab a cup from the cabinet??
The rest of her text said she will cancel all documents according to the rules for her school, not me...
Refuses to answer when I asked for the letter of release.
She went on to say I can stay until I finish classes on January 24 or March 1st, and she will pay salary up to that point, it's my choice.
I responded with yes maam, you will have a resignation letter on your desk with the above mentioned mutually agreed upon date of January 24th.
Then I got ahold of SAFEA (FINALLY)
At which point they said she will have to give the letter of release and a reason for termination.
I told them of her breaches of contract, and am currently emailing all the proof.
They said they will call her and ask her what happened...
I said just please ask her for my letter of release.
Hotwater:
Frustrating situation for you. Hopefully now you've got hold of SAFEA they'll help to secure the release letter so you can move on properly. Hope it works out well for you.
Zethe:
THEN my boss texted me and said I know everything you have done, if you cause trouble more I will send videos of you stealing a key from a desk in the school cameras, then it will be more than just cancelling your visa.
She's threatening me with blackmail with what???Videos of me going to the main desk to grab a cup from the cabinet??
I hope some people can shed light on whether my boss can use camera footage of me going to the main front desk to open drawers as 'stealing a key'.
icnif77:
It's not 'please ask her for RL...'. It's Chinese law! SAFEA will sort your boss out. Did I say that already?
Don't forget FEC Cancel Cert, beside Release letter. You need both docs. to extend present RP and FEC renewal with new employer.
Hotwater:
The key "theft" is an idle threat. When you email SAFEA include details of this threat he made. Screenshot the text messages and attach to the email.
Shining_brow:
Well done! Now, let's see if you can make things really fun by alleging corruption with the PSB boss! :D
The key thing... the boss has video of you opening a desk drawer to get a key... and??? Isn't that something that happens every day in most offices?? The only way that's ever likely to be an issue is if someone has a grudge against you - in the police or the PSB. The police would laugh at such a 'theft'.
I replied to Sorrel's post - tell the boss you have no idea what you're talking about. And that getting a key from a desk to get a cup out of a cupboard isn't a crime. See if the boss is stupid enough to implicate herself by making stuff up...
Zethe:
I contacted SAFEA again this morning and asked them to talk to her and ask why she is firing me. I told them she is trying to force me to leave without a written notice or reason why.
Her only reason was "i'm being rude"
I also informed them that she threatened me (via text message) with fabricated blackmail.
She claims she will tell them I stole a key from the school if I give her any more trouble.
They said she should provide a written termination notice to me and the lady was reading my email in regards to the boss breaking the contract as we spoke.
icnif77:
Your boss can't fire you on the spot, unless she has valid reasons for dismissal. And if she doesn't have valid reasons, she must respect Resignation notice on the Contract, in other words she can tell you she doesn't like you, and you are required to stop working for School in 30-days from the day written notice was given. It happened to me in Fujian in 2014.
Chances are your boss has significant guanxi so be careful.
She is also trying to BS you, but in her eyes you have probably caused her to lose a lot of face, especially if the PSB know her in some other capacity.
Keep as calm as you can, just repeat what you have already been saying in your communications.
Don't be provoked - this would just give more ammunition to a 'victim' - she is butt hurt big time being caught in a lie and no First Aid will help 
Don't respond to her threats in any way - that is dignifying them.
Any conversation you have, back up immediately by email and include a witness to the conversation if possible.
Just plan your escape quielty.
Shining_brow:
I'm not sure the word 'significant' can really be used.... perhaps she's just bribed the guy, or is a friend (wouldn't surprise me if she - or someone she knows - used to work for the PSB and has the inside connection... still not 'significant').
Shining_brow:
I'm not sure I'd agree with not responding to the key thing... I'd ask what you were supposed to have stolen? or at least, done with this key. "Stealing a key" is going to be a tough job to prove... video of someone getting a key from an office desk is normal day-to-day stuff.
IN that way, it shows ignorance on OP"s behalf, and also opens the way to have something in writing from the boss about what the substance of the threat contains - such as a lie ("I will tell them that you stole some money or something else"... ).
And, thus, more damning...
OP hasn't really got anything to lose by addressing it
Zethe:
I asked her what key?
I asked he to show me videos.
I've been to the school at night before with my own key multiple times to write lesson plans.
They give us a key.
Welcome to the 'Club-dial-SAFEA'!
You're the first poster, who dialed FEB and posted feedback on Chinese Gov. org.
Beside 'moi', of course
.
Hotwater:
I phoned them once in Guangzhou about a work permit change issue and they were no use at all for me. I did post here. I managed to sort it out myself. the problem was Guangzhou city regulations differing from other cities in the province. Not something SAFEA could help with .
Lucky, you're with a woman of the world to introduce you to these things. 
I had just experienced things alike in the past few days, previous employer refuses to give letter of release...but, in a more tricky way.
Long story short. They lied about the payment and working hours which was why I would choose them in the first place. But I soon discovered by doing the math and checking with people who were already working there and realized I'd only get paid 3 times less than they'd promised and also, I was forced to work 13 hrs a day...even as a new staff with the 'can-do' attitude...I was thinking of leave the same day I got in but I stayed for 2 weeks and did some serious investigation and saved enough evidence based on my predication of what was about to happen, also, to make sure I make the right decisions. During the 2 weeks, I was made to join countless 'brain washing' meetings by taking my resting time.
Week 3, a day in advance, I messaged my boss to bring up 'the talk'. She made me waited for a day by 'being busy'. Then I told her I have made up my mind to leave and gave her reasons that she totally agreed with. She told me, she'd leave for the same reasons. However, she also told me how much she worried that I would not be able to find another job, and she was sure I would get into another scam. She thus told me, I must stay until I got a new job and she's happy with the new job and she can then let me leave. How selfish less!
I told her if I stay 'the new job' is not gonna happen. I work 13 hrs a day and there'll be no time or energy for that. She told me I could take sick leaves.
The next day, I was really sick. I asked for a sick leave and got denied. She thought I was emotional blah blah blah. I asked, what is the procedure for leaving this job? Do I need to do it in written forms? Then I did just that.
HR called me 3 days later and hoped I could re-think about my decision and asked me to work till Chinese new year. I told her my boss is happy for me to leave. Then, eventually, they just let me signed for some paper and left. But they kept on postponing the release letter and of course, I got 0 payment. They explained to me that they put a wrong digit of my ID, it was only postponed.
Throughout the time, I called them countless times and went to the headquarter but couldn't get a release letter. They promised they'll post it without even asking for my mailing address. I know they wouldn't. With the stamp on their desk and me being there, why bother post it?
My new company wouldn't give me a contract without seeing it.
I could, as I have all the evidence to sue them. I'll take ages and I'll miss the new job and it's not worthy of it. Also, they could claim they were about to post it.
I contacted the company before them, told them I lost my release letter and if they could give me another one. They said they couldn't, but I can have a photocopy of it.
I bought a fake stamp on taobao. And with my advanced photoshop skills I faked a release letter just like the previous one. There's no way anyone would found out it's fake as it's just the same as the real one. I have a back up plan which I never used and no one would really go and check your letter of release.
You have 3 possible solutions.
1. you write your won promise letter that you have left that company and you have nothing to do with them anymore and you sign for it.
2.you report them and with that report letter it already states you have nothing to do with them thus no letter of release needed.
and 3. you fake it up and no one will actually trace it, they just want to know if you have nothing to do with that company now. it's risky, but, more effective, especially with how inflexible things in China are, sometimes, it's the only solution.
icnif77:
Chinese are familiar with this Board, in other words you might don't want to advertise your 'fake-you-skills'. Use 'edit' at your post.
Now why in the whole world, you wouldn't listen an advice and call FEB?
I consider my written real time experience with similar matter as a 'good advice for free'. 
Shining_brow:
Lucky you've got me on this board
You forgot about the probation period! Either party can end the contract within the first 30 days (although some bosses will try for 3 months.. or more!), with no reason needed.
As for the release letter - as I'm sure you've read on here many times before, they are required to give you one within 30 days of the end of the contract/last day of work. Not giving said release letter can affect their ability to hire foreigners in the future (ie, they can lose their license).
SpongeBob:
Of course we do. Otherwise what if you are an industry spy?
So...long story short. Calls from the bureau, and evidence of my boss breaking the contract made her fold like a LAWN CHAIR.
She will provide all the documents I demanded for ending my contract peacefully.
1.) Letter of Release
2.) FEC cancellation papers
3.)Good Recommendation Letter
She doesn't attempt to blacklist me.
Her threats of me 'stealing a key' were bunk, the video footage showed me getting a piece of paper from her office (which she could have asked me to get).
The boss will let me leave the school January 30th, with all release papers in hand to be on my merry way to shanghai, beijing, or whatever school I cherry pick next. ahhhhh so sweet, the nectar of victory.
She signed and stamped a statement that she will indeed provide the documents I demand, AND give a good review of me, all on video.
Done and DONE.
She doesn't want any more calls from the bureau, and certainly doesn't want to lose her company license (the bureau threatened to)
sorrel:
congrats!!
hope your next place works out better.
remember to document all, no matter how civil your interaction with your employer is. in the meantime be sure to secure personal items on the remote off-chance she tries to take revenge in some manner.
Hotwater:
Congrats seconded. Good to hear it worked out and the FEB helped.
icnif77:
Can you c&p SAFEA's (address) and phone no., which answered your phone call in Nei Mongol?
AladinSane:
If you found out tomorrow that this woman was beaten to death in an alley would you be sad or happy?
Zethe:
@Aladin
If you mean my boss, no I certainly wouldn't want to see that happen to anyone.
I'm not sure if you're asking me or icniff77
icnif77:
Which SAFEA's telephone number answered you call in Nei Mongol?
I want to update 'SAFEA address and contact numbers' thread.
Java.Joe:
Your experience just proved EVERYTHING you read here about contracts in China for foreigners: http://eslwatch.info/forum/china/19-all-about-contracts-for-china-expat-foriegn-teachers-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly.html?start=6#747
and at these three links as well...
http://eslwatch.info/china.html
And don't forget, if this is within the contract period redundancy, you can expect at least double months' salary compensation!
if the new school that wants you as a teacher has a good relationship with the psb, they can usually lean on the psb to get the letter without the ft getting involved at all in the process, the harder it is to fill the position, the more the new school will push the psb to remedy the problem.
icnif77:
PSB won't get involved into that matter (Dalian PSB told me to call my Bj Embassy
).
SAFEA is the right address to call. Did I say that ever before?
ambivalentmace:
in shandong the psb will put the screws on a school for not doing a release letter, not sure about other provinces, the psb simply says if you dont cooperate, we will inspect your teachers visas more often and reduce the amount your allowed to have, this is an indirect way of saying we will screw with your white monkey revenue stream or you can give us the letter, it usually works here, have a ft that actually teaches english to the psb for a job, helps to have friends in nice places, many psb employees kids get free english lessons at training schools in return for favorable visa treatment.
Many good advices were posted here, doesn't matter if story is true or fake.
Q got over 14k reads, so I'm thinking many other FTs did/can get many useful leads on how to react in the similar matter.
+ 2 pints or 'many flashlights pending'.
CAN A MODERATOR DELETE MY POST HERE?
I am asked to delete this on accounts of it causing conflict between that school and I and not trying to get tied up into anything like that.
They have eyes on this specific board and I wish to avoid them and problems with these people.
icnif77:
Follow my guidance I PM you, and ring SAFEA again. Tell them about the threat you received from the School.
If you wouldn't post the name of the school, you wouldn't receive any replies.
'add-it': When I see School's name displayed, thread/post is most likely real/truthful.
School has the balls to threaten, after SAFEA was informed about irregularities at the School.
Return to the Board with update on new SAFEA's action toward the boss.
Good luck!
At this point in time, the employer and I agreed to peaceful terms.
Originally, the agreement was to let me go peacefully with necessary papers in hand for a new job.
I won't bother her, she won't bother me.
Then, we came to a new written agreement.
We informed the bureau that I will finish my contract,
and any breaches of contract as well as past conflicts were reconciled and amended for.
Conditions were agreed upon, and I agreed to finish the contract amicably while she agreed to keep the peace for the school and the bureau.
Any further problems would be settled with SAFEA if they are to arise, that is certain.
icnif77:
Stop kissin' bosses butt! She is nice just because Gov. pressed her. Otherwise, she'd eat you alive.
Goal and purpose of SAFEA is to mediate and reconcile, if that's possible! They'll make things right for both, employee and employer.
The other good thing we had at this thread is FTs can see that there's help of Gov. around China, and we're not just left to 'dogs for slaughter' in China.
Zethe:
You're right, there is indeed help, but I might add that you really need solid proof and go above the local city's bureau in this kind of area.
The people in this city are much more subject to bribery and such, I would advise others to go straight to Hohhot authorities and have a Chinese friend/lawyer help make calls and/or talk to people in person.
icnif77:
I've never had lawyer, and SAFEA resolved all my problems. 5 times!
After the first contact with Gov., I always offer detailed problem explanation over the email. Provincial SAFEA always had fluent English speaker answering the phone in every Province I called.
Shining_brow:
So, let me get this right.
Your boss tried to screw you over, withhold monies owed, tried to cheat you out of your contract, threatened you NUMEROUS times..
And now you want to just kiss and make up... and on HER terms?
WTF???
Why, knowing what this employer is like, have you continued to work there? You should have taken the release letter and left. Lots of teaching jobs out there.
Zethe:
I don't know..
I'm driven to complete a contract (it's my first job in China).
I don't want to leave my students disappointed mid year I guess..
I feel obligated after I promised to help the school when I first came.
A myriad of reasons, I just feel it's the right thing to do I guess..
And I hate to cause others problems by up and leaving mid contract..
Maybe I just don't have rough enough skin for china.
Don't stay in a place out of some sense of misguided loyalty to your students.
China does not do 'nice' or 'reasonable' very well, let alone 'compromise'
Seems like the school has found your weakness and guilting you into staying.
The school treated you badly and the fact that you are staying beyond when you can make a clean break and start afresh makes no sense, especially if you have another opportunity to move to.
You say the boss fired you - so why are hanging around then?
Spring Festival offers the opportunity for a clean break and fresh start.
You own this school nothing seeing as they made your life sh** and they are not going to change (maybe for appearances only), but you have made the boss lose face and many Chinese people can hold a grudge a long time, and no doubt this boss will find a way to f**k you over.
Your first job in China?
If you stay you will be pushed around even more.
You need to grow a thick skin if you want to stay long term.
Sorry to necro a thread, but I hope to share some good news with the expat community.
I recently landed a job and signed a contract with Beijing University of Technology and Business.
My previous employer has been compliant in providing necessary paperwork and even a good recommendation for a successful transfer of my visa.
All I can say is I'm grateful to everyone's help and advice here, and that there is hope for expatriates who encounter problems with their employers in China.
sorrel:
Thanks for getting back with news of a successful outcome, and good luck in your new place 
note to posters who think newbies are given a hard time.
This poster (a newbie) and ScrewIT both posted their school problems as new posters.
They were not flaky or inconsistent in their posts, nor did they get 'offended' when more questions were asked for clarification.
they did not post loaded questions to inflame or inspire mocking.
Many of the regular posters offered suggestions that were practical, the same posters who spot inconsistencies when looking for more information to clarify a vague question.
IMO it is the 'newbie' flakes and trolls, or the obvious fakes on this site that deserve what they get as they are the ones that undermine this place as a useful site to share information and experiences.
Good luck Zethe !
