Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mickie]

I am being illegally fined and when I told my boss it was illegal, she is now threaten to fire me. Why I am being fined. I went home for three weeks on an approved holiday to spend time with my mother who was dying of cancer. I came back to work after my three weeks, then on the Friday, I got a call from home that my mom had less that 40% chance to survive the weekend, so I went home. I was told I could go home, but had to be back the following Monday, or I would be fined everyday I was gone after that. I came back on the Mon. My boss told me I couldn't go home if she got sick again. I agreed, and she said if/when my mom passes away, I could go home for the funeral and it would be treated as a holiday. The next day my mom passed away, I went home and when I came back she is fining me 1.6 million won because I went home. She said she had to give a refund to the parents. I contact the labour relation board and told her I didn and that it was illegal and she now wants to fire me. Any advice?? Thanks

[Alyallen]

[wylies99]

Get it in writing- if you are fired VERBALLY, don't leave- demand it in writing.

[yingwenlaoshi]

How many work days were you gone when your mother died? 1.6 million Won? A fine? What the hell is that?

I could say should've, would've, could've, but that won't help. You mom just died.

Yeah, if she's going to fire you, get it in writing with the reason. Then go to the labor board.

I don't know. Sounds pretty crappy. I'd tell her to *beep* off. Stupid *beep*.

[wylies99]

I know you don't want to work there any more, (no SANE person would), but you have to be smart about this. The school will want to make you look like the bad guy. Make them give you everything in writing. Otherwise, proceed like nothing has changed. In fact, send a certified letter to the director, asking if there's any problems they have with you. FORCE them to reply IN WRITING.

This is in preparation of a future labor hearing- and this could be a battle.

Make sure you safeguard all of your personal documents, paystubs and schedules.

[Demophobe]

Really sorry to hear of your mother's passing.

Quit the job. There are too many other ones around. Ask her to fire you or just tell her you are leaving. She might straighten up after hearing that, but 1.6 million for a heart? She doesn't deserve such a bargain.

[regicide]

[alabamaman]

[OiGirl]

Screw that.

Sorry to hear about your mom. My father was considerate enough to pass away at Chuseok.

[Mickie]

Thanks
To answer one question, I was gone for 10 days. My mom died Dec 1 and getting flights back to Korea was difficult.
To answer another question there are now 10 foreign teachers at my school.
What I am worried about if she does fire me, I am very short on funds to return home. I don't think after this experience I will stay in Korea for another job. She wants me to sign some type of agreement tomorrow or else she will terminate my job.

[Woland]

I lost my father over my last break. You have my sympathies.

I also know my bosses would have been better if something had happened at a different time. I hope you can work this all out and move on safely. I wouldn't want to work at a place that treated people like that.

[Mickie]

To OiGirl and Woland, I just wanted to say I am sorry for your loss. It is a difficult thing to go through losing a parent.

[yingwenlaoshi]

[Missile Command Kid]

I would have quit on the spot. Well, to be more honest, I would have gone home, packed up, and got on the next flight back to North America. What a heartless person. My condolences!

[the eye]

First of alll, don't sign ANYTHING she gives you. She knows what she is doing.

Then, get down to the labor board.
You can find the locations at www.molab.go.kr
Click the english version.

If she threatens to fire you, let her. Go to the labor board.

The good new is that IF she does fire you, you will be released from your VISA. Getting a new job will not take long.