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Q: What do "Hours" really mean?
My current work contract says I will teach no more then 20 hours. I assumed 20 hours, like in every other school meant 20 class. They are not interpreting it the way I would like and would like me to work 28 classes per week, because of course the total adds up to less then 20 hours. I think this is a little absurd as this leaves me with only a few breaks and even fewer class times to prepare, making the work load ridiculous. What should I say, do?
8 years 24 weeks ago in Business & Jobs - China
No, Chinese clearly manipulate word 'hours' in job adverts and contracts. You must always make sure, what is the meaning (in minutes) of 'hours' in Contract.
It might be also, because they aren't fluent in English.
I signed Contract in 2012 with '10 hours per week' requirement. I received schedule with 14 classes x 40'.
Nobody really spoke English at that school, and they had Chinese translation of the Contract, which didn't really match English version (on the 'apartment's utilities' part).
I don't think, you can argue that as work related issue.
Finish the Contract, and next time always ask 'what is the meaning of hours', before you ink the paper. I like to have teaching hours number expressed in minutes.
No, Chinese clearly manipulate word 'hours' in job adverts and contracts. You must always make sure, what is the meaning (in minutes) of 'hours' in Contract.
It might be also, because they aren't fluent in English.
I signed Contract in 2012 with '10 hours per week' requirement. I received schedule with 14 classes x 40'.
Nobody really spoke English at that school, and they had Chinese translation of the Contract, which didn't really match English version (on the 'apartment's utilities' part).
I don't think, you can argue that as work related issue.
Finish the Contract, and next time always ask 'what is the meaning of hours', before you ink the paper. I like to have teaching hours number expressed in minutes.
Like the cat said, you must ask about hours when signing the contract. It is probably a legal requirement to list the amount of hours you work per week. Your classes (if taught in a public school) most probably last 40 minutes each. You must always check about pay and working times. If you are working Monday to Friday at a public school then 28 classes a week isn't unheard of. It sounds like you just have a full schedule. If you are being paid by the hour no worries, you should nake decent money. If you are being paid a salary make sure it is a fair salary. Why didn't you ask these questions before signing a contract?
icnif77:
I had offers like that. Placement agent instead getting two FTs for the required hours, just get one with double hours and salary unchanged, of course.
I believe they're taking advantage of you. Certainly 'the norm' is for a teaching hour to mean a normal class duration. In my case it's 45'. It was 40' but then they changed to a progressive 'Beijing' initiative. No change to my remuneration, of course.
You probably will lose any argument so how about giving notice and finding a job with a friendlier schedule?
My contract is for 16 'hours' per week but I currently only do 14. Last semester is was 12. 28 classes per week sounds crazy.
its a sneaky tactic the Asians use (mostly chinese) on unsuspecting/inexperienced and/or naive would-be employees.
If it were me, I would strongly attempt to renegotiate the contract (either by lesssening the number of classes per week, or increasing the salary/wage), and tell them to their face what I just said (its a sneaky, unprofessional tactic) and that it is a dishonorable thing to do. (not that they care). It might be prudent to have an exit plan.
As an afterthought, sometimes the reverse is done as well. e.g. "only 15 classes per week !" to find out each class is 1.5 hours in length.
Shining_brow:
Actually, I sort of disagree.. they are being right up front about it! 20 hours!!! Can't get too much clearer than that.
It's our assumption that 1 class = 1 hour.
Lord_hanson:
I agree with shining brow. By definition 1 hour is 60 minutes. You cannot assume anything, you must clarify these things with the would be employer.
