Well, yay for leaving, Betsy. Sod 'em.

Today's thrilling installment of Fay's Adventures In Employment:

So, my flatmate spoke to Evil Boss today. God knows what possessed her - she was complaining to him about something else, but naturally he brought up the subject of contracts.

He explicitly told her that he does not consider himself bound by the contract, claiming that he was never shown it by his secretary. He says that he will pay us for May, but that he has not yet decided about June.

He says that he will charge us money because he has to recruit replacement teachers.

Let's just recap on the whole Not-Breaking-My-Contract thing. And the whole He-Doesn't-Recognise-Our-Written-Contract thing.

According to him, we have "an oral contract" with him, and that oral contract is exactly the same as his "standard" contract, which would prevent us from seeking employment with other schools in this city.

He told my flatmate that she and I are both "good eggs", that he would happily employ us next year, but that he will definitely not be paying us the summer pay or 2 months' salary that we're owed from the start of the year.

He told her that he's more pissed off with me than with her, because I indicated to him at the end of April that I would be renewing my contract, whereas she explicitly said she wouldn't. I then told him 2 1/2 weeks later that I would not. I didn't sign or date the note, I just ticked a fucking box - and I knew at the time that it was unethical to do such a thing when I wasn't sure about it, but I went with the 'cover your ass' option, and I really wish I hadn't.

He still maintains that he can prevent us from getting a work permit with our next employer.

I really, really really need a drink.

damn dude. fay, that sucks.

can't communicate. work is eating me whole starting with my bottom. Which is funny, because then how come *I* feel shit on?

Fay, make sure that your lawyers know all about this. The sheer evilness of this guy is amazing. It sounds to me like he thinks he can get his way by being a bully.

Fay, as far as you knew at the time, you would be returning. You hoped not, but you didn't know not. I don't think that was unethical.

That man is slime on the face of humanity. What scum. Can you speak to whomever employs him and get the pay owed to you?

Fay, definitly let the embassy lawyers know about this. And maybe see if they can contact him directly about the situation.

Pardon me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.

It's just astonishing, isn't it? The things he comes up with.

He thinks we owe him money because he has to recruit our replacements.

I mean - hello? Fixed term contract? Which he won't even sign?

bangs head on desk.

he will definitely not be paying us the summer pay or 2 months' salary that we're owed from the start of the year.

Fay, get a pack of lawyers and KICK HIS ASS. That is absolutely a breach of a contract that you have been fulfilling in good faith. Particularly the part about not paying you for WORK YOU ALREADY COMPLETED.

Sue him back to the Dark Ages.

yeah, letters and conversation is not going to do it Fay- lawyers and courts and ass kicking.

But you see, Tep, I have very little money. And laws are murky things here - basically backhanders are what get you anywhere. Everyone wants their baksheesh.

I can't see myself suing him. I just want to be 100% crysal clear that he can't sue me. I mean, I cannot begin to see how he could, but I want to really know that for sure.