ambiguous contract

Hi everyone.

I have been employed as a Native English Assistant since Sept 1 2008.

My contract states : 'Hours of work, monday-Friday, school days only"


I have just been told by a higher colleague, that I will be required to work during the upcoming holidays. I queried this, because I interpreted the 'school days only' to be that I can go away on holiday for the 6 weeks of the summer hols. I was told by that colleague that holidays are school days, and it's pretty much business as usual, and I am employed just like the other local assistants.


There is no provision for, or mention of annual leave provisions in my contact, so I jumped to the conclusion that that's where my annual hols would occur...during the summer break.


I also spoke to the Principal of the school, who agreed with my colleague, that I am in fact to work in the hols. I asked for my contract to be amended to reflect my wish to have hols (so I can go to my home country, and without pay if necessary) but to no avail.


Has anyone else had this ambiguity in their contract? Any advice, or am I being unreasonable to want the 6 week break.

My big fear is I am being taken for a ride...

Thanks in advance.

Take your contract to the Labour Dept in WanChai and ask them what your entitlements should be. They are very helpful.


I would have taken that Mon to Fri - school days would mean just that. If school is out there are no school days but get it cleared up by the Labour Dept.

Hi ceeh,

Thanks for your helpful advice...I'll do what you suggest.

Thanks GreenValleys,

You are right about the not have a job at the end of it...thanks for the sage advice.