Korean Job Discussion Forums

Mr Lee's Monkey · Joined: 24 Oct 2007

I'm a newbie in Korea - an older American woman who's chosen poorly and gotten myself into a crappy job at a hogwon on Geoje.... the director hasn't taken my deductions out for health ins or pension over the last 2 months, and hasn't honored many of the other terms of the contract. If he hasn't done these things, am I safe in assuming he's broken the contract? Thanks in advance.

MarionG · Joined: 14 Sep 2006

I'll bet I'm older than you are!

All kidding aside, of course your director has broken the contract BUT that doesn't give you many rights. Korean versus Weswterner in any legal battle usually ends up Korean 1, Westerner 0. UNLESS that legal battle includes no pension, no taxes, no medical insurance.

First, save money, you're going to need it. Second, go to your nearest Labor Board (or call) tell them about your situation and ask them what they can do to help you. Try to maintain control of the situation by not telling them the name of your school. Third, line up another job. Fourth, when you are ready talk to your boss, and it's essential that you remain calm and quiet, do so. Offer her the possibility of getting out of the hot water she's in (I'm so sorry to tell you that Labor told me that you must...the fine is...etc) by giving you a letter of release.

One heads up: Labor will require that YOU pay your share of the pension before they make your boss pay hers.

Good luck

Scarlet13 · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Changwon

Contact your local pension office, and ask about your current balance. Act surprised when you find out your don't have one. They send out a letter which you can innocently bring to the Director, I don't think that they can dodge pension payments after that.

krjames · Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Location: Suncheon

"Contact your local pension office, and ask about your current balance. Act surprised when you find out your don't have one. They send out a letter which you can innocently bring to the Director, I don't think that they can dodge pension payments after that."

That's a nice tactful way to do things. Pay your arrears while you are at the pension office and have the insurance money ready for when it is required.

BTW What does the insurance cover? Accidents outside the workplace or not? I was told years ago that it only covered workplace accidents, which seems fair enough if the employer is stumping part of the cost.

Cheers

ontheway · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 6:27 am Post subject:

It's possible to have no pension or insurance deducted in your first month and still be completely legal, especially if it's a partial month. But, if you've worked and been paid for two months, you should have been signed up.

But, do you have your ARC? Your boss can't sign you up for pension and health insurance until after you get your Alien Registration Card, which you get after you arrive in Korea with your E2 visa. If you are here on your E2 visa and you have gotten your ARC from Immigration, then you should have been signed up for insurance and pension after you got your ARC.

MarionG · Joined: 14 Sep 2006

Many US employers pay all of health insurance premiums, and it certainly covers illness and accidents not associated with work. So does the Korean national health service...