Why Laid Off Anyway; Do They Need to Show Cause?

Hi Everyone,

I still feel very emotional about my contract not being renewed.

I want to understand my rights as a worker in China.

1. In Western countries, most employment is at will. If a worker does not show up one day, that is his prerogative. Likewise, an employer can, and often does, lay off or terminate a person in an instant.

2. It seems difficult for both parties in China to do so.

3. I do commend my workplace for telling me early, "we are not renewing your contract."

Rather, it just hurts that I work 60-70 hours a week for 3.5 years, only to be treated like this.

4. Was what they did legal? Was it normal?

5. I would appreciate anything constructive, not sarcastic, cynical or rude.
3.

What springs to my mind ...

Is the school :-
1) running out of money? 
2) shutting down (or downsizing)? 
3) planning on hiring replacements that they don't have to pay so much for?

 

Good point. It is what my friends say.

1. That is the strange thing:

a. Yes, our program is down to a few students. Layoffs make sense in our department.

b. However

- Our entire school is expanding
- There is about 50% turnover each year

Why not just transfer us to another department, at least for awhile.

2. Maybe they could hire cheaper replacements. There is always a teacher that will do it cheaper. But, why?

They only need to show cause if they want to get out of paying compensation.  As long as the full amount (based on how long you've been there) is paid, they can let you go for no reason at all.

Give a trusted friend your exact start date and the upcoming end date.  Have that person call the labor bureau and ask exactly how much compensation you are owed.

If they try to ask you to sign a resignation letter, don't do it.  Don't sign anything unless you first confirm with the labor bureau that it will not alter your rights.