Chris, I am with you. Some EFs have pro contracts (copied from the foreign company), and some even keep their words. What you don't realize is that these contracts are often to facilitate the money laundering of locals. Then, believe it or not, some locals have got to the business in order to control the market/education in the country. Sure none of your business when you get paid, is it?
Cheers and beers to EF Changchun that I know so little about, but they spin Shanghai's headquarters, don't they?