Korean Job Discussion Forums

[NicRenee]

I work for a public elementary school, though they pay a company to manage the classes - It's one of those slightly-shady after-school deals. You know, dummy bank account, etc.

I am scheduled to leave my school (via letter of release) on February 23rd. My contract ends 3 weeks later, but I needed to be out by then in order to start my new University job. School doesn't have to pay my severance, I'm out in time for the Uni, everyone's happy. That part couldn't have gone more smoothly.

About 10 days ago, my dear friend and coworker (ONLY coworker at this school, mind you) passed away suddenly from a heart attack. It's been a devastating week or so, to say the least. The same day this happened was the day before the new "term" was to start, and the day my company would have ordered books.

Because of his death, I was given all his students, which of course doubled my class load, and we delayed the start of the new term pending level testing and new hires. All last week and yesterday I have been scrambling to write lessons without any texts. This is because the school and my company begin to be at odds about the solution - should we have only one teacher for the program? Hire two? etc...

Yesterday, the manager of my company and some evidently horrible woman that works at my school (I know nothing about her, never even spoken to her) got into screaming matches and our company was fired immediately. I was notified that today would be my last day and, AND, that I probably wouldn't be paid for the next 3 weeks, OR last week, because the term didn't start. That's a month of pay I'm without.

I have two contracts. The one with my company says they must give me something like 30 days notice if they can no longer employ me, unless of course I do something worthy of firing. The other is a contract with the school, written in Korean, which I don't have a copy of (I know, I know...) that's basically a dummy contract anyway. Because I'm pretty much a sole proprietor, according to the contract, I can be fired at a moment's notice. At least that's my understanding anyway.

I'm not sure of the legality of what the school and my company do. I'm going to try and peacefully resolve this, but I'm worried the only leg I have to stand on is some labor board bullsh*t. I really don't want it to come to that. My question is, what can I do? What SHOULD I do? What should I say and to whom should I talk? Should I approach the school directly? I really don't ever deal with them, though I do communicate with some of the teachers. Should I threaten my company with notification to the labor board? What is the law on this sort of thing anyway? I'm really not sure. If anyone can answer one or more of my questions or has other helpful comments it would be so much appreciated. Oh, and thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy post.

[RACETRAITOR]

I'd say steal a computer and call it even.

[roknroll]

you have no recourse against the company, as this was an illegal relationship vis a vis the teaching position. that's the reason for the 'dummy' bank account. immy and other gov't agencies know about this but do nothing to curb it. you only have one contract, that is with the school (if you have a 'contract' with the company, it might as well have been written on toilet paper because it's not a legal contract, therefore it isn't recognized).

who gave you your notice of dismissal? a company rep? if so, i wouldn't trust this as they probably want to 'screw' the school for firing them. you are distinct from the company. if the school is happy with you, there should be no problem...they fired the company not you (again, who fired you?). even if it were the school that fired you, you still get your notice as per the contract, which is likely 30 days. so, find someone at the school to talk to about this. be diplomatic/tactful etc. and distance yourself from the company if need be. your only contract is with the school and they owe you, not the company anymore.

[The Grumpy Senator]

Why would you put yourself in a situation like this? Dummy bank accounts, shady after-school programs???

I hate to say it, but I don't think there is anything you can do except hold on until the University gig starts and chalk it up to "lesson learned." The Labor Board will say that you were working illegally and that will only cause more problems for you.

I cannot comprehend why people come to work in a foreign contry and then put themselves in situations where they can be screwed. Research the position you are applying for and make sure you are protected. If everyone does this, the problems and dishonesty from business (hagwon)owners will decrease.

Good luck to you.

[NicRenee]

Everyone is subject to the law, no matter how "shady". I've been in Korea for a while, I knew the risk I was taking. And therefore, even if I don't get what's owed me it was still worth it. That being said, just because there's a dummy bank account doesn't mean I deserve to be screwed over. I do my job well and follow the contract - there are ways of enforcing them.

What I DO want to hear are helpful tips on dealing with this WITHOUT going to the labor board. Thanks to those with productive ideas.

[roknroll]

[ultra]

A recruiter owes me 1.2 million won.
She says she can't pay because the university that sponsored the program won't pay her.

My idea is to go to her office and sit there and wait until I get paid.
The sooner I get paid the sooner I leave.

If you go with me as a backup, I will do the same for you.

[CentralCali]

roknroll: It doesn't matter how up front the company is about the banking arrangement. It's illegal to have someone else's banking account in your name.

NicRenee: Then you knew you were participating in an illegal arrangement. The Labor Board's not going to help you with that nor are the courts.

[NicRenee]

[CentralCali]

The don't get around the law by it being your account. You participate in them breaking the law by providing an illegal account for them to funnel funds.

[NicRenee]

[nateium]

[NicRenee]

[CentralCali]

[nateium]