January 29, 2009

Please be careful when considering the Oxford Centre in Bielsko Biała.

This academic year a problem with the contract was found that meant teachers were working for three weeks unpaid over the contract period and overtime also wasn't being paid. The maths was checked by all and the teachers were happy they had it right. They brought it to the owner's attention. She told them they were wrong. No clarification just wrong.

A week later they were told they could either put it behind them and finish the contract to the end of June or they could stay until the end of January, get 1,000zł (not much) and leave.

Two teachers left at the beginning of December, as they didn't trust the owner to pay them, as it was common knowledge she had previously shafted teachers who had left at the end of their contracts (bizarre deductions etc).

One teacher planned to leave at the end of January and two decided to stay until the end of the contract in June.

The two teachers who decided to stay (one guy had no choice as his girlfriend lives in the town) were told on the last day of term (last week) that they would not be coming back after the Winter break. No notice. The reason? Punishment as they hadn't supported the owner against the accusations. Nice.

The owner has saved thousands in pay with the current contract which has been used for many years. In addition, teachers are told that they do not need to register in Poland. This is wrong. Also, the role is employed but she pays tax on a contractor basis. Teachers are told that health insurance is through the European Health Insurance Card. This is false as that card is only valid if you're travelling as a tourist.

In short, think very carefully before approaching Oxford Centre in Bielsko Biała for work.