Korean Job Discussion Forums

[burnburn87]

I posted here a couple of weeks ago about my job trying to subtract pay for training days from my contract. Well I mentioned that I thought this was a violation of my contract to a co-worker, who relayed that info to the boss, who then said she'd discuss it with me after the training.

My regular pay date was on the last day of the training period and I got paid in full, although a few hours later than usual. Then on the Monday, the boss never mentioned anything about it, and the co-worker who'd translated for me (as well as about 90% of the rest of the teaching staff) had left and been replaced for the new academic year.

Anyway, the boss now wants me and some of the new teachers to attend a training day on a Saturday. My contract specifically states that I may have to work one Saturday a month and I won't get paid anything extra for this - but this seems to contradict other sections of the contract, which state I should only work 40 hours per week. My usual working hours are 10am-6pm, Monday to Friday.

This is only the second time in about six months I've had to do something work related on a Saturday. The first time was some graduation ceremony and took a couple of hours on a Saturday morning, so while I was less than thrilled to be doing it, I didn't kick up any fuss about it. This training day sounds like it'll be an all-day event that's almost 2 hours away from my home by subway. In other words, it's a lot more hassle than a normal day at work, with the added bonus of not getting paid a solitary won extra for doing it.

Anyway, I've posted a question on the FAQ board over at the Korean Ministry of Labor's site, and from browsing a few other questions, it seems they can't ask me to work more than 40 hours in a week without paying me overtime for it. I was wondering if anyone had any similar experiences or advice?

These sections of my contract seem to be the relevant ones:

SECTION C. WORKLOAD

The Teacher will work 40 hours per week. This will include 30 teaching hours and 10 hours devoted to tasks outside class teaching. The teaching hours will be assigned at the sole discretion of the director or supervisor. Teacher's teaching hours will be reallocated every three to six months to vary workload if teacher has over 30 teaching hours regularly. The Teacher is expected to devote no less than 2 hours a day at the Institute for lesson planning, student evaluations, teachers' meetings, consultation with parents, and supervision of play. Upgrading one's professional knowledge and skills is without additional pay. The workweek will follow the yearly academic calendar set by [NAME] institute. The total teaching hours will not exceed for any given week ___ hours per week*, unless both parties agree.

(* The number of hours has been left blank on my contract)

The preparation and attendance for special events such as Parents Conference, Program Orientation, English contest, workshops etc. demands that the teacher may be required to work one Saturday a month. However, this may not happen every month. Additional pay will not be given for this.

D. TEACHING OVERTIME

Over time teaching is paid beyond 30 hours teaching. The assignment of overtime beyond the regular 30 hour classes and less than 34 hour classes is at the sole discretion of the Institute. The over time rate is 24,000 won per 60 min class. Overtime will not exceed 34 teaching hours per week unless both parties agree.

E. WORK SCHEDULE

The workweek runs from Monday through Friday in monthly periods. The teacher's schedule will be assigned by the Institute Director. If the teachers have morning classes, they begin at 10.00 am and finish at 6.00pm. The teacher will be expected in the institute by 10.00am for the morning preschool teacher.

[Bongotruck]

The second part of Clause C seems pretty clear. You will be working this Saturday for no pay.

I think you should very reasonably ask for a travel stipend at the very least. You should not incur costs in order to work for free.

[burnburn87]

[kingplaya4]

Why do people take these crap jobs? Tell me they're paying you more than the standard 2.2.... I would never take a job with unpaid training, if you want some training take a celta course, the training they're going to give you will most likely be rubbish.

I would quit the job most likely, but until you're ready for that, you must work saturdays, as your contract states.

[burnburn87]

[Bongotruck]

There is no guarantee your douche boss will grant you a release letter, even if she fires you. Just an FYI.

[Bongotruck]

Did your boss take you there personally? Or did she give you a boot in the butt and send you to wherever the training is?

If the latter, I would just show up very very late. I'd say 'I got lost.'

[burnburn87]

[Bongotruck]

Sounds like you have made up your mind.

I am assuming you are doing that said MA outside of Korea. Then why does a letter of release matter. It doesnt.