Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Atavistic]

Background, this is about my second pay check.

a) My pay date was changed without my permission, breaking the contract
b) I was paid in thee parts the first month (1 day, 9 days, and 19 days late)
c) The other three teachers left for not getting paid
d) My recruiter showed up with a toothbrush and overnight pay, waiting for his fee (I have pictures!) and still only got part of it
e) I am the only foreign teacher in the building
f) The mothers know everything that's going on

As of today, half of my pay is 12 days late (after getting the other half five days late).

Tomorrow this little butt is sitting in the building. Not teaching. Until I get my pay in cash.

STRIKE!!

Hmmm...what books shall I bring to keep myself entertained? Or should I bring an iPod? My laptop maybe? Bring my jump rope and get some exercise while I wait? Or just use my handphone to take pictures of myself all day long a la K-Girls On the Subway?

[rothkowitz]

Did you try the labour board?

[Atavistic]

Not yet. The labor board is the next step. My recruiters (who love bringing people to the labor board) said to do this first. I have more I'd love to say about the labor board, but I'll keep mum for a bit longer...

[Corky]

Good luck!

[Fresh Prince]

Sorry to hear about this. Please keep us updated as to what happens.

[plokiju]

If you do end up going to the labour board, I've heard they are much more sympathetic to those who continued to work without being paid since it shows that you haven't broken the contract. However, there's the risk that you won't be paid for it.... ever.

The labour board can only do something if your pay is 15 days late. I've been through a similar situation and now am going to court over a months wages. The labour board hands down a ruling but they can't force your boss to pay you. They are just the first step to pursuing it elsewhere. It really just depends on how reasonable your boss is as to how far he will take it. If you are the only foreign teacher, going on strike might be more effective since kids will probably start dropping out immediately. The only thing the labour board has going for it is that it might intimidate your boss otherwise the process can be quite long. Anyone else can correct me if I'm wrong.

Going on strike seems a bit more fun too. Cutting through red tape is tiresome. Have you called the labour hotline x1350.

Also I'd avoid bringing anything of value to the school. People can get quite physical over money issues. I witnessed a near ajumma fight when I went to the labour board. My Korean friend said it involved a maid being accused of stealing.

[lover.asian]

[maddog]

Sounds like a dodgey bar-steward. Did you come here on a one-way ticket, or a return. If it's a return, I'd be inclined to cut my losses and bail. The guy's proabably gonna fleece everyone (teachers and parent) for as much money as he can then declare himself bankrupt.

MD

[Atavistic]

[ilovebdt]

Here is the number for the Labour Board: 1350 press 7 for English.
Your situation is unacceptable and you should call them asap.

ilovebdt

[Atavistic]

[ilovebdt]

[Atavistic]

You're right. 1350 ext 7, got it. Will let you know how everything goes. There are more detailed I wish I could share, will do when I can. As soon as this is over, will also blacklist school.

[maddog]

I love the term 'crazy boss lady'. Reminds me of my boss. Some days she's nice as pie. Other days she is the devil. Sometimes I walk past her office and can see her staring into infinity. She's definately not right.

[TheUrbanMyth]