Ambiguous Contracts that Allow Schools to Change at Will

[mamanaia]

Hello All.

I wanted to get some feedback from the International Community about their feelings on this subject. I just received a contract I'm being asked to sign that has phrases like:

"It is agreed and understood, however, that all School policies are subject to modification, suspension and/or termination by the School at any time." (Relating to teacher code of conduct)

"It is agreed and understood that the School may alter, modify, suspend or terminate any employee benefit at any time that it, in its sole discretion, determines to be appropriate." (Relating to Benefits offered)

This contract has sent up a bunch of red flags to me. I am leaving a school that had an ambiguous contract and for which some colleagues and I have had some troubled dealings with the school. However, we are also working in a country with phenomenal labor laws and the courts always rule in favor of employees in cases of ambiguous contracts written by the 'employer'.

I'm not so sure that is the case of the school that just sent me the contract.

A) Would you sign an ambiguous contract like this?
B) Would you request the contract be re-written?

I have taught at 4 International Schools now, and only due to the last two experiences being poor ones, am I really considering contracts before signing.

Thanks for your thoughts and advice.

[buffalofan]

Been there and done that, and I wouldn't do it again.

The scary part is 'in its sole discretion'. A legit contract should have something like: '...only with written notice by both parties'.

[adminpaul]

You may find this ISR article helpful.

http://www.internationalschoolsreview.c ... sealed.htm

[mamanaia]

Thank you, Admin. I read the article and it does not surprise me. The last two schools I worked at acted unethically in regards to contracts. It does not mean this school will, but I am concerned. I think the article made a good point of contacting the Consulate of the country in question as well as the U.S. Embassy. I will take that advice and see what they have to say.

What's difficult about this decision, is that the management team is relatively new, but the Board is the same old, same old. While the management may have the best of intentions, pressures from the Board may lead to issues.

[wrldtrvlr123]

Not unless you are truly desparate for a job, and/or to get out of or into a particular country.

[Neptune]

Hi there,
I agree with the previous post that said been there done that. It is not a clean contract and I wouldn't do it unless it was my only option and even then I'd look for something else.