Korean Job Discussion Forums

harryh · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: south of Seoul

When does my severance pay have to be paid?

My contract started 5th October, 2002 for a period of one-year.

I received my last wage yesterday, but I didn't receive any Severance pay as stated in my contract.

The boss indicated that he will pay on 16th October (I will no longer be here to access my money then, also he knows my flight is on the 15th and is aware that I don't have a visa/master card).

The following is from my written contract:

Upon completion of this one-year contract, the teacher will receive one additional basic salary of 1,800,000 won as a severance payment in accordance with Korean Labor Laws. This payment will be made at the time of completion of the contract period and income tax will be withheld from this payment.

Thanks in advance,
Harryh

whatthefunk · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Location: Dont have a clue

Sounds fishy. The labor laws say that he has 14 days to pay severence. Ask him how he intends to pay you. Maybe talk to the airline to see if you can get a small extension.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Its a one year period...starts the 5th. october 2002 so hence finishes on the 5th. october 2003. i'm sure there is a grace period but I think he is screwing you. If he knows you are leaving on the 15th. and says he will pay you on the 16th. that is a huge alarm bell. Demand it before you go, if he says no, on the 16th. just fake him out and say you changed your plane ticket. If he gets all threatening about immigration you know he is playing you.

Also, ask him why he is going to pay you that date. say you need it earlier. Don't put it off, the longer you wait the more an advantage to him and the less chance you will get the money.

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Definitely sounds like he's trying to screw you. Threaten him with the law?

Harvard Material · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

Actually, all money owed to an employee is to be paid in full on the final day of employment. That is that. However, if payment can be staved off until the employee departs from the country?? Fishy, isn't it?

If you remain in contact with people here, you can assign anybody you wish to collect it for you. Get a person you trust to help you collect your severance payment - IF it doesn't get deposited into you bank account as promised. Hopefully you won't have any problem harryh, but it seems very suspect at the moment. Why not just get it now? That's what your contract says, and you did your year.

whatthefunk is bang on. See if you can get an extension on the plane ticket.

Good luck!

harryh · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: south of Seoul

Thanks for your replies. All very helpful.

I told the director again that I should have already have received payment(told him that's the information I got frm my lawyer -I haven't spoken to a lawyer but the director now knows I'm serious about a prompt payment), as the contract states.

He has informed me that I shall receive payment today, 7th October, instead of the 16th.

I shall wait in anticipation.