From: xu@hydra.maths.unsw.oz.au ()
Subject: CND-Canada, January 10, 1993
Organization: school of Mathematics UNSW
Distribution: aus
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 08:57:40 GMT


  +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+   C h i n a   N e w s   D i g e s t  +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

                              (Canada Regional)
                           Sunday, January 10, 1993

  +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
  |In addition to relaying CND-Global, CND-Canada  normally carries  1 or 2 |
  |issues a week, providing information concerning the Chinese students and |
  |scholars in Canada. Please send information to <cnd-canada@sdsc.edu>, if |
  |you wish to share it with others. Your contribution will be appreciated. |
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  Table of Contents                                                 # of Lines
  ============================================================================
  1. Irregularities With China Airline .................................... 74
  2. An Unpleasant Experience With Air China And Its Agency ............... 87
  3. Job Opportunity for Computer Science or EE Majors .................... 84
  ============================================================================

  [Editor's Note: Recently, there are several letters complaining services
  from CAAC and its agencies from our CND-Canada readers. Since more and more
  readers are leaving for China, we excerpt some pieces from two of the letters
  in case our readers encounter the same situations.

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1. Irregularities With China Airline ................................... 87
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: Aubrey J. Zhang, <JTZhang@UNCAMULT.BITNET>

  I am a Chinese student at the University of Calgary in Canada.  From
  July 20 to August 16, I was in China for a home-touring trip after
  four-year's life out of the Motherland.

  In early July I bought an Air China's return ticket through Canada Swan
  International Travel Ltd. (Tian-Er) at Vancouver.  As Canada Swan mailed
  the ticket to me, they reminded me of having to confirm my return flight at
  least 72 hours (three days) ahead of departure.

  I did as they advised, FOUR DAYS in advance when I was in Shanghai.
  Strangely enough, my seat was already cancelled by the time I confirmed it.
  I was very mad, as everyone could understand it when this happened.
  I argued with them, but they had a "good" excuse well prepared for me:
  my travel agent made a mistake; they should have told me that the return
  flight should be confirmed at least 7 days instead of 72 hours ahead.
  When I phoned my travel agent after I got back, they told me they just
  passed what Air China had instructed and they had no control over this.

  Since I was eager to come back and I knew I would miss my connecting
  flight (Canadian) at Vancouver if I postponed this one. I went to the
  Shanghai International Airport anyway on the pre-scheduled date (August
  16).  I had a hope that the plane would not be full as it was not one month
  before or someone who had a seat would miss the plane as I had the luck four
  years ago when I left China the first time.

  But all my hopes went into the air after I got to the airport.  I
  thought I was the only one who had the bad luck, but I was wrong, I was
  totally wrong.  After the check-in was finished, I saw at least 20 people
  there waiting for seats (I think I know the reason why the Airlines did
  this to us and everyone who read the last part of my story will figure it
  out).  Some of these people confirmed the flight as I did but was told it
  was cancelled; some of them didn't do that at all, they never dreamed of
  such an outcome and they and many of their relatives were deeply shocked.
  Some of them are Canadians (not Canadian Chinese); some are students like me.

  While we were waiting for the normal check-in to be finished, I chatted
  with a white man standing beside me: "How do you like your stay in China?"
  He shrugged in a typical American way: "It was OK except this part."  He
  is Carl from Vancouver (I forgot his long family name).

  As the normal check-in got to near the end, those of us, who didn't
  have seats, started to get very upset.  We frequently asked the girl at
  the check-in counter whether she had any seats left.  Her answer was a
  surely "no."  At this moment, a forty-or-so man standing behind the girl,
  probably the girl's supervisor, got very excited. "Listen!", he said,
  "those of you who don't have a seat, please be smart.  If you pay 2,796 FEC
  (Note: about $600 Canadian), I promise you'll get a business class ticket.
  Otherwise .... we don't have a single seat for you.  You got it?
  Those who pay will get your luggage checked-in immediately."

  Some of us who knew the trick got very angry.  They started to argue:
  "It is ridiculous.  You've got some seats left, why don't you let us aboard
  the plane.  We won't pay more.  It is you who cancelled our flight, you
  are responsible for this."  Some said: "If the same thing happened in
  North America or Europe, we would have been offered a business class seat
  without any further charge." The male officer seemed to get quite used to
  these arguments: "Don't you ever dare to debate on this!  This is China,
  not a foreign country.  We do things on our own way."

  A student alike young man beside me shouted: "I have to go to work
  tomorrow, just tell me where to pay the money."  He seemed to have enough
  cash for doing that.  Seeing no use to join the argument, I followed him
  shortly.  But I did not have enough cash.  I had already used it up -- like
  most other people did.  But I happened to have my MasterCard with me.

  When I got back to check in, there were still about five people at
  the counter arguing with the male officer.  Now he had jumped out from
  behind the counter and pointed his fingers at each one's nose: "You want to
  go? Then pay the money and we'll let you go.  Don't you dare to say
  anything." I thought his manner of pushing us was much worse than that of a
  peddler selling things on the street.  What do you say, my fellow Chinese?
  The only thing I could think of was that the people of my motherland just
  wanted me to have more "good" impressions about China.

  I wouldn't believe what I described above if I hadn't experienced it
  in person.  I hope Air China and China Eastern Airlines will eliminate
  such a bad practice or they would for sure lose their credits and all
  their customers -- there's no doubt about this.

  For those who still want to go with Air China, I recommend you to learn
  from my lesson and confirm your return flight as soon as you get to China
  and reconfirm it at least 7 days ahead of departure.  For those to confirm
  in Shanghai, please call 327-3016 or 327-7888 (no one told me these
  numbers before).  For those in other cities, check your local phone book or
  ask your travel agent.

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2. An Unpleasant Experience With Air China ............................ 87
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: billy.x.wu@hydro.on.ca (Bill Wu)

  I had a trip to Shanghai with Air China from Oct. 30 to Nov. 16. Before
  departure, I read Mr. Zhang's letter several times.  On Nov. 2, the
  very first working day after my arrival, I went to Air China Shanghai
  office to confirm my return seat.  The answer I had this time was " Your
  seat was cancelled.  Your name is on the waiting list".  I was also told
  that my travel agent [Tin-Bo Travel Services (Ottawa)] issued me an invalid
  return ticket.  As soon as I heard this, I realized that I would go through
  everything Mr. Zhang had experienced. I went to control room in Air China
  Shanghai office the next day, and asked for their explanation.  A control
  room officer, provided me an Air China computer information sheet and
  showed me that my name was on the waiting list.  I argued that I purchased
  an "OK" ticket, why should my name be on the waiting list.  The officer was
  pretty reasonable.  She made a copy of my ticket and then sent it to Air
  China Toronto office along with the computer information sheet.  She let me
  come back the next day to see whether Toronto office makes any correction by
  then.  If so, I would have a seat.  Unfortunately, she never got a reply
  from Air China Toronto office.

  After four days fruitlessly waiting for Air China Toronto office's
  reply, I sent a FAX to my travel agent, Tin-Bo Travel Services (Ottawa),
  and called my wife in Toronto for assistance.  Guess what? Tin-Bo insisted
  that my ticket be valid and I should have a seat while Air China Toronto
  office constantly said there was no seat for me. What can you do in this
  scenario? Can you surely understand what kind of business is going on here?

  Anyway, my return seat finally became available after many efforts were
  made.  They mainly are:

  (a) lots of phone calls to Tin-Bo and Air China Toronto office;
  (b) a friend of friend met with Tin-Bo Travel Services (Ottawa),
      face to face seeking for arrangement;
  (c) my wife spent two hours in Air China Toronto office enquiring a
      seat for me;
  (d) my manager at Ontario Hydro contacted with both Tin-Bo Travel
      Services (Ottawa) and Air China Toronto office manager seeking
      their assistance in facilitating my travel arrangements.

  My unpleasant experience with Air China was supposed to come an
  end now.  However, more had happened while I tried to find out who was
  responsible for this irritable business exercise after I came back.

  I initiated my complains by sending a FAX to the manager of Air China
  Toronto office, Mr. Li, with attachments including my ticket and
  reservation information sheet etc. on November 23, 1992. In the letter, I
  asked the manager to find out who cancelled my seat and what was the cause
  of this instance. I also asked him to ensure such things would not happen
  again. On the second day, Nov. 24, Mr. Li replied me by phone stating that
  based on the computer information, two reservation files were in my name
  and one of them was duplicated. Therefore, the computer system deleted the
  duplicate one automatically. However, both files (reservations) were on the
  waiting list.  To answer my question of "I had an 'OK' ticket, why my name
  was on the waiting list?", Mr. Li did not have a solid answer. He said it
  was not Air China's fault. Since Tin-Bo Travel Services(Ottawa) mainly
  concerns their sales.  Therefore, they sold the "OK" ticket without a seat
  available.  Mr. Li, however, rejected to put his words on paper when I
  asked him to do so. Before the end of our conversation, he indicated he
  would contact with Tin-Bo and inform me the conclusion of his investigation.

  The next day, Nov. 25, I sent my second FAX to Mr. Li asking for his
  conclusion of the investigation in written. Nov. 26, an Air China staff,
  Mr. Tang, took my phone call to Mr. Li. Mr. Tang was fully aware of my case.
  After I indicated to him that I would take legal action against Air China if
  Air China did not formally inform me the conclusion of the investigation,
  he suggested that we could make such a compromise as compensation rather than
  go through court case. He positioned himself as a middle man between Tin-Bo
  and myself. He said "Tell me how much you are looking for, and I will work
  on it". He also emphasized not to put his words on paper. Therefore, I
  understood an under the table deal was ongoing. My reply was that I did not
  know the amount yet, but my asking would be reasonable. After I counted hours
  spent on confirming the seat, communication cost, it came up $800.00 .
  Considering I took 16 days for vacation and spent 8 half-days ( Saturday
  was not credited for compensation), Did I over ask them ? The first
  response from Mr. Tang was only $300.00 to be paid. After 1 minute checking
  with others, it increased to $500.00. And I was told that was the finial
  amount. I felt being humiliated.  Therefore, I rejected "the deal".

  Dec. 3, I sent my third FAX to Mr. Li requesting the conclusion of his
  investigation. In the end of my letter, I stated " If I do not received any
  statement in written from you by noon Dec.7, 1992, I will make my complains
  to the public through the media. I will also take legal action against Air
  China for this regard". This time, Mr. Li finally replied.  As you all can
  see in the attachment 1, what he telling me in the conclusion of his
  investigation is that I did not have a seat. He, however, never mentioned
  why I didn't have a seat while I held an "OK" ticket. Anyway, to bring the
  case to a fair resolution, I sent my fourth letter to Mr. Li where some
  concerns regards to the operation of Air China were raised. I also
  formally made the complains to the National Transportation Agency in Ottawa.
  An official investigation is ongoing. I hope Air China will reconsider
  their position seriously.

  One thing I did not quite understand is why Mr. Tang voluntarily acted
  as a middle man offering me $500.00 compensation for no further charge
  against Air China. He repeatedly said that the "compensation deal" was only
  between him and me, and not to put his words on paper.  Perhaps we will
  find out when the time comes.

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3. Job Opportunity for Computer Science or EE Majors ................... 84
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: Wilson Chung <wchung@eedsp.gatech.edu>

  Thomson Consumer Electronics (TCE) is one of the worldwide leaders in the
  field of Consumer Electronics.  We are the largest TV and VCR manufacturers
  in the the US under our RCA, GE and PROSCAN brand names.

  We have openings in our Los Angeles Laboratory for candidates with graduate
  degrees in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. The candidate will
  hold the position of Senior Software Engineer.

  Software Development Tools (1):

   He will participate in the design and implementation  of Software
   Development Tools (C compiler, source code debugger) for Thomson
   proprietary CPUs. These tools will be running on IBM compatibles under
   MS-Windows and on Unix workstations under X/OpenLook.

   The candidate must have some experience in software development using C,
   C++,  Unix/X Windows and MS-DOS, as well as some background in
   programming language theory. Some experience of the Free Software
   Foundation GNU Tools (gcc, gdb) would be appreciated.

  Multimedia (4):

   He will participate in the design and implementation of prototypes of
   Multimedia  systems for the Consumer market. He will be involved in the
   production of system level software and/or software development tools.

   The candidate must have some experience in software development using C,
   C++, Unix/X Windows and MS-DO. Some experience in one of the following
   topics:
     - micro-computers, video games machines.
     - real-time operating systems.
     -  programming language theory (compilers, interpreters, debuggers).
     - User Interface toolboxes.
     - multimedia.
   would be appreciated.

  Digital Video Compression Project (Real-Time software) (2):

   He will participate in the development and implementation of new
   algorithms for the compression of full motion digital video  compression
   using MPEG on dedicated real-time hardware.

   The candidate must have some experience in software development using C,
   C++, Unix/X Windows and MS-DOS, as well as the development of real-time
   software (C and assembly) and micro-code on microprocessors and/or DSPs.
   Some knowledge of Digital Signal Processing and Digital Video would be
   appreciated.

  Digital Video Compression Project (2):

   He will participate in the development of new algorithms for the
   compression of full motion digital video compression. We are considering
   video resolutions for computer, TV and HDTV applications.

   Our development efforts consist of non real time software simulations of
   the algorithm using standard computer systems such as SUN workstations.

   The candidate must have some experience in software development using C,
   C++, Unix/X Windows and MS-DOS. Some knowledge of Digital Signal
   Processing and Digital Video would be appreciated.

  System Administrator (1):

   He will be in charge of maintaining and improving our network of
   computers.  Our system includes some SUNs (Sparc 2 and 10) under
   Unix/X/openLook, PCs under MSDOS/Windows and MACs, as well as dedicated
   Digital Video equipment, including real time digital video frame buffers
   and a  D1  digital VCR.

   He will also in charge of processing Video sequences on our proprietary
   software based Digital Video Compression system.

   The candidate must have some experience in Unix system administration, as
   well  as  software development using C, C++, Unix/X Windows and MS-DOS.

  For more information, please send a resume to:
         Vincent Dureau
         THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS          Los Angeles Laboratory
         5601 W. Slauson Ave., Suite 262, Culver City,  CA 90230, USA
         TEL: +1 310 568 9003                    FAX: +1 310 568 9002
         E-mail: vincent@la.tce.com

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Newsgroups: aus.culture.china