Korean Job Discussion Forums

jadarite · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 6:46 am Post subject: Split shift issue

A hagwon wants me to work split shifts, one at their hagwon and another at a public school. How much weight do I have in rejecting this? In the past schools have blocked my schedule, and by doing split shifts I have to be available 12 hours a day, yet only get paid for the hours I teach. In the contract it only refers to about 30 hours. Right now, I acknowledge I owe more hours than I am working now, but I don't feel doing split shifts was in the agreement. Is there some legal condition that doesn't need to be outlined in their contract which would allow them to enforce split shifts?

cruisemonkey · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 7:17 am Post subject:

Your contract specifies "about" 30 hrs. a week?... I find that hard to believe.

jadarite · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 8:22 am Post subject:

No it doesn't. The actual number is not an issue here. It could say 30, 35, 40. The point of the post is that they put SOME number down and they didn't mention split shifts.

So, if the number was 30, then can someone answer what I asked above?

cruisemonkey · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 8:35 am Post subject:

Then you're an idiot.

jadarite · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 8:39 am Post subject:

LOL, I am idiot because......? Do you understand the question I am asking?

Ut videam · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Does your contract specify NO split shifts?

Are you working the full time specified under your contract?

From what you've already written, I'm guessing the answer to both questions is NO.

If that's the case, you've got no legal or contractual basis for refusing split shifts.

jadarite · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 8:55 am Post subject:

Ut videam,

In the contract it doesn't state anything about public schools. Also, it clearly states that the location is at "a local English Academy", not "a local English Academy and (possibly) a public school".

I may not have a case with the amount of hours, but I think I do with the location.

I hope someday there will be a law that requires split shifts to be mentioned in the contract. That way, you don't get the bait and switch.

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

I would tell them, politely and quietly, "I'm sorry, I'm not available for split shifts." Heard of the technique of "broken recording?" It means you just keep smiling and saying "Im sorry, I'm not available for split shifts."

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

jadarite · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:

Thank you all for your replies.

WoBW · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: HBC

Yes, it is illegal without permission from kimmi.

Also, that number, 30 or whatever, will be referring to actual teaching hours, not hours to be available. Does the contract specifically mention 'working hours' i.e. not only teaching but the time you start work and the time you call it a day, like 8:30-4:30 or something like that.