Job Discussion Forums

zandmoloney · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 16

After reading some things, obviously I am a little concerned about legal protection if things go wrong. I see that Taiwan do have labour laws regarding guest workers, is Korea the wild west in this regard (ie; workers are fair game)? Can I try any legal recourse if things start to go pear-shaped?

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 8:35 am Post subject:

Uh . . . just my opinion, but this is probably not the best way to start in a new occupation.

While I guess it is reasonable to wonder what recourse one has if things go bad - one of the things many of us overseas don't miss is the "I'm going to sue you" attitude.

I've not had all that much trouble while working overseas (since 1989 - in five countries [including Korea twice]) - but when I don't like what's going down, I tend to vote with my feet.

All that said, generally you can expect some assistance from organizations like EFL Law - but frankly what I have heard of some people taking the legal path are things like lawyers (they are snakes everywhere) wanting retainer fees equal to about a year's wages - and long long waits (3-4-5++ years) in the courts.

Just what I have heard - and only my opinion.

Probably you'll get better replies - but what really threw me was that you are already looking for legal remedies. Go with a positive attitude and you are more likely to find what you are looking for.

zandmoloney · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 16

It's not so much that I am being negative, it's just I wonder whether, if a school decides to screw me will anyone care? I would probably walk in that case, I just wonder if the schools are legally bound by the contracts. I'm from New Zealand, we don't sue anyone! Smile

go_ABs · Joined: 08 Aug 2004 Posts: 507

Yeah, we're nice buggers reallly.

EnglishBrian · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 189

The guy I worked for here had a contract for people to sign if they wanted, but he usually didn't bother cos he said it wasn't worth the paper it was written on. No party was ever going to be able to sue the other.

To the OP. I can understand your interest in this but I wouldn't let it worry you. Check out the school you're going to as much as possible before hand (what do the current teachers think about it for example?), and if you get 'screwed' just chalk it up to experience. The TEFL industry is fairly wild. Just leave a lot of your expectations about how employment should be, at home, and have fun. I'm constantly having to tell myself, "You're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy' - except I'm not from Kansas and my name isn't Dorothy.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 9:25 pm Post subject:

THere are many things you can do, in terms of good reseacrh and preparation to reduce the odds of getting screwed. But when/if you do, there not much you do, except get out.

Regards,
Justin

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

tedkarma · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 7:17 pm Post subject:

Scott in Incheon · Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Posts: 58

Korea has a fairly strong and effective labour board. If you have a real complaint and your boss has broken labour laws...more than likely....they will be force to make things right.

If you go to the Korean discussion board, you will find a number of examples of people who were helped out by the Korean labour board

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

In Taiwan, the Council of Labour Affairs, deals with most problems and complaints involving FT. They have and english speaking staff. This is a link for basic information.

http://www.evta.gov.tw/english/workers.files/engtitle.htm

Hope this helps.

waygukgaijinhaole · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 4:48 pm Post subject:

You can go and get a lawyer. There are several that specialize in "English teacher problems". I've know 2 people who have gotten lawyers because the school wasn't paying them properly or had given them housing that was totally unacceptable. They had a meeting with the lawyer, the teacher and the director. The bosses immediately relented and gave the teacher what they were supposed to give them.

I'm not advocating this, but I would probably try it before doing a runner...that is if the situation really warranted it.

teacha · Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 186

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

CWG recently laid out a lot of information about a persons legal rights in Taiwan. If you missed the post here's a link:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=28702