To Sea Dragon Education (SDE):

We (foreign teachers who have signed this petition) have some concerns that we should be addressed immediately.

First, we want to make it clear that we enjoy our jobs and are grateful for the opportunity we have had to teach in this beautiful country. We are all passionate about education and investing in the lives of these young people. That being said, there are two areas that we request immediate answers, and those are salary and Information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, specifically, how it will affect our lives.

Regarding salary, we are asking for full salary for the month of February including housing. Some teachers have complied with the requested time consuming videos, and others have expressed a desire to do those videos, but were not afforded the opportunity, but one thing we all have in common is that we are present and ready to work according to our contract. Our commitments, bills, and other expenses do not stop during these months. We have all budgeted according to our contracts and for many that includes ongoing obligations in our respective countries, and now the added costs of extended vacations or periods of quarantine. For the sake of teacher retention, and teachers simply returning to China (for those who have not yet returned), we are asking for full salary paid for February paid upon arrival prior to respective school’s opening.

Secondly, information has not been forthright regarding how this outbreak will affect our lives. We are not given clear information on salary, when to return to China, and the safety measures in place. Therefore how can we be expected to comply with our end of the agreement when it is unclear. Please understand that we are committed to completing our contracts as agreed, and ready to comply with clear instructions, therefore we request clear communication and the agreed upon remuneration. A simple solution is to provide a clear date to return to China, information about the quarantine requirements prior to teaching, and full salary for everyone who returns to China in time to teach with the opening of schools (this requires clear communication immediately). We would make it plain that according to the following information provided by the Guangzhou Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, that that Section 5 “Guaranteeing the treatment of employees during the period of suspension of work” that employees should receive full salary for February. This source can be found at the following URLhttp://rsj.gz.gov.cn/zwdt/gzdt/content/post_5647814.html. The Bureau implores all foreign teachers to push for full salary in this current pay cycle (February 1-29), especially if teachers are contributing in any fashion for online teaching. Regarding this we expect a quick and timely response, and would be pleased to avoid involving any legal measures.

Sincerely,

We the foreign teachers signed to this petition.