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[mmajomo28]

I have a contract problem with an institution that I'm teaching one class for. They offered me a position in November, which was for  a two credit class. i said I wouldn't teach it if the salary was reduced. They sent me an email indicating that I would be paid a certain amount, and I accepted via responding to that email.

The institution has a residency that I had to attend over break. I didn't receive a contract until all my travel plans were finalized, and the amount was half what I had been promised. Of course, no one responded to my inquiries before I flew out to the residency.

I did not sign the contract. I have been informed twice that I would get a new contract with the promised amount. Now, nine weeks into teaching, I still have no contract and am being paid half what I was promised.

Any advice? Anyone know a lawyer?

[kedves]

1.  How much (%) lower is the reduced amount, and how badly do you need the money if they weasel their way into paying you that instead of the written figure? 
2.  How badly do you need the letter of recommendation, teaching experience, and evaluations?

[tolerantly]

I have a contract problem with an institution that I'm teaching one class for. They offered me a position in November, which was for  a two credit class. i said I wouldn't teach it if the salary was reduced. They sent me an email indicating that I would be paid a certain amount, and I accepted via responding to that email.

The institution has a residency that I had to attend over break. I didn't receive a contract until all my travel plans were finalized, and the amount was half what I had been promised. Of course, no one responded to my inquiries before I flew out to the residency.

I did not sign the contract. I have been informed twice that I would get a new contract with the promised amount. Now, nine weeks into teaching, I still have no contract and am being paid half what I was promised.

Any advice? Anyone know a lawyer?

Your story isn't clear, mmajomo.  On what basis do you say you're being paid half?  The rejected contract?  Or are you being paid periodically at half the agreed-upon rate?

If this is not a regular client of yours, and you don't desperately need the reference, I'd go find a local lawyer and have the lawyer send a letter, and understand that you may still be waiting for the check in July.  I'm guessing that at best this is a matter for small claims, but you can make it inconvenient for them by suing in your jurisdiction.

[mmajomo28]

To clarify...

I have an email from this institution that states I will be paid a certain amount (and follow-up emails that promise to fix the problem). I am currently being paid 50% less than that amount. The email is legally binding because it's a written agreement, according to the best of my knowledge.

I do not need teaching evaluations or recommendations from this institution. I have a great tenure track job. I am only teaching for the problem institution because of the opportunity to teach a very specialized subject matter.

[kamiakin]

You wanna play hardball? Call the chair on Monday and say you are walking away from the course unless you have the correct contract by the end of the week.

[watermarkup]

Time is not on your side. If you finish out the course, you'll never see the money.

They need you more than you need them, right? I'd do what Kamiakin suggests.

[kedves]

I agree.  You're getting paid half, and isn't it about the half-way point in your semester? 

[kamiakin]

I should have said correct contract and the unpaid balance by the end of the week.

If you don't want to play that rough just call (no email) the chair tomorrow morning express your extreme frustration. Ask her to commit to a deadline by which you will have the money. You could hint--"I am not willing to teach to the end of the semester waiting for something to happen..."

Under no circumstances submit final grades until you have been paid in full.

[prytania3]

Kamiakin is one of my very favorite new forumites.