Thread: Can a school force you to transfer to an agency?

I am on my lunch break and I just got a phone call from my head of department. Apparently the school wants to transfer all the foreign teachers over to an agency. I have a 2 year contract with the school with over a year left to run on it. The other foreign teachers also have time left on their contracts.

I got the impression that the school thinks we will all agree to be employed by an agency and the Head of Dept asked me over the phone if I would agree to it! Of course, I said I wanted to meet to discuss all the details - and in detail - of what it would entail before I agree to anything.

I must say I am vary wary of it but I will listen to what they have to say and what the 'new deal' would be. BUT, if I don't like what's offered and I don't want to work for the new agency (whoever they are), what are my rights and what can I expect?

There is probably another thread on this forum somewhere that could help me but I don't have time to look at the moment. In half an hour I'll be back at the school to discuss the situation.

Any advice or pointers will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by Rastus

Apparently the school wants to transfer all the foreign teachers over to an agency. I have a 2 year contract with the school with over a year left to run on it. The other foreign teachers also have time left on their contracts.

I think they can't as such.

The school has to terminate your contract first using the notice clause and risk you going to court for severance pay if applicable.

Originally Posted by Rastus

I must say I am vary wary of it but I will listen to what they have to say and what the 'new deal' would be. BUT, if I don't like what's offered and I don't want to work for the new agency (whoever they are), what are my rights and what can I expect?

There are some great agencies out there. It's all about choices. Do you have a choice?

Looking at it, you'll unfortunately lose your job with the school either way, Rastus. They can have economical or managerial reasons you will not be able to beat.

Originally Posted by Stamp

The school has to terminate your contract first using the notice clause and risk you going to court for severance pay if applicable.

Originally Posted by Stamp

Looking at it, you'll unfortunately lose your job with the school either way, Rastus. They can have economical or managerial reasons you will not be able to beat.

Thanks. It seems my best bet is to negotiate a good deal for my transfer or my leaving.

Originally Posted by Stamp

There are some great agencies out there. It's all about choices. Do you have a choice?

At the moment I don't know. I guess they have only one agency in mind but I really don't know. I'll find out soon! I'll let you know. I have no experience with agencies so could you let me know of some agencies you think are good, please? (by PM if you like, then you could tell me of some less than ideal agencies)

I'm dealing with AYC in Bkk right now Rastus. They seem cool enough. Going to see them tomorrow. they even said I can go on the payroll tomorrow before term starts.

I'll let you know.

I have been told that there is only one agency and I now know the name. I won't post the name just yet but it's one I have heard of before. No further details are available at the moment.

How do agencies usually deal with holidays and holiday pay? Do they usually pay it or do different agencies have different policies?
And what about length of contract? One of the other teachers seems to think the contracts will only be 10 months long. If so, what happens during the other 2 months of the year? No pay, no job, no visa?

Originally Posted by Rastus

How do agencies usually deal with holidays and holiday pay?

You usually get all the little ones but not many pay the big ones.

Originally Posted by Rastus

And what about length of contract?

81/2 months to 12. 10 is most common i would say. Hence the no holiday pay.

You want them to be paying your visa and WP too.

Originally Posted by Rastus

If so, what happens during the other 2 months of the year? No pay

that's been the case recently. i think you can still live here on the visa so long as you're working the next year and you're free to freelance for local language centers if you'd like.

Originally Posted by crew

Originally Posted by Rastus

If so, what happens during the other 2 months of the year? No pay

that's been the case recently. i think you can still live here on the visa so long as you're working the next year and you're free to freelance for local language centers if you'd like.

That sounds like the contract (and visa) is for a year but pay is only for 10 months. I suppose that would be OK so long as the 10 months pay is equal to or more than I would normally get for 12 months.

Originally Posted by tiredtony

You want them to be paying your visa and WP too.

Yes, I will expect that as the school paid for my last WP, Visa and extension of stay. Having said that, what's to stop the agency changing their terms after the initial contract expires?

Originally Posted by Rastus

How do agencies usually deal with holidays and holiday pay? Do they usually pay it or do different agencies have different policies? And what about length of contract? One of the other teachers seems to think the contracts will only be 10 months long. If so, what happens during the other 2 months of the year? No pay, no job, no visa?

Wangsuda has been working for an agency for ages. He definitely can tell more about them.