Korean Job Discussion Forums

BritishinSuwon · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 7:10 am Post subject: Bereavement leave question

O.k, so after speaking to my mother, I found out that my grandmother passed away on Friday.
I'm thinking I might run into a problem at my school for asking for time off for the funeral.
Right now at my school, I am the only Western teacher. We have a new teacher scheduled to come on the 20th, but for now, it's just me.
Does anyone know just what the law states about bereavement time for employees?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

BritishinSuwon · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 7:14 am Post subject: Re: Bereavement leave question

Just as I feared...well, there's not a question in my mind as to what I'm going to do, so here's hoping my bosses don't take a hard stance on this.

Thanks Ttompatz

sofaking · Joined: 30 May 2008

BritishinSuwon · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 8:10 am Post subject:

I'm hoping it doesn't get that bad, although I have a feeling it will. The only real card I hold is that I am the only Westerner there now, and hopefully that'll give her some thought if I quit. Otherwise she'll be cutting off her nose to spite her face.

I hope it doesn't get that far.

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 8:22 am Post subject: Re: Bereavement leave question

Kikomom · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 10:49 am Post subject:

Most should even help you book your flight. They do it all the time, so it would be cinchy for them to do you this favor. This will be a measure of their compassion.

justaguy · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Location: seoul

This is a special situation. Law doesn't matter. This is family, and family comes first. Explain what happened to your boss, and then tell him you are going.

Koreans are usually quite understanding about these matters.

I'm sorry for your loss.

jbpatlanta · Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Location: Daejeon

When my grandfather died, my boss started to give me a hard time. She said that if it was my mother or my father I could go no problem, but this was just my grandfather so she didn't think she could give me the time off.

I listened to her and stayed in Korea. I still regret that to this day. I should have gone and said screw the job. Don't make the same mistake.

I agree with what some others said. This is family. You can always find another job.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 4:23 pm Post subject:

OP,

My condolences. As has been stated, 'leave' is a matter between you and your boss.

I just found out my 83 year-old mother was admitted to hospital two days ago. Of course, I hope it's not serious. But in the event of her death according to my EPIC contract -

Article 16 (Special Leave) ① Employee may take a Special Leave for a number of days as set forth below for each of the following events:
1. Seven (7) calendar days for Employee's marriage.
2. Seven (7) calendar days for the death of Employee's parent or spouse; five (5) calendar days for the death of Employee's child.
3. In case of a female Employee, ninety (90) calendar days for a maternity leave.
② Special leaves specified in items ① are available with pay. However, maternity leave shall be available with pay for only the first sixty days.

Apparently, grandparents are worth nothing and a child is not worth as much as a parent or spouse.

bliss · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Location: Gyeonggi

Why don't you advertise for a substitute?

I'm sure you will be able to find someone who can fill-in for a few days - either part-time or full-time.

Just write up an ad and post it on www.worknplay.co.kr or www.englishspectrum.co.kr or any other of the numerous websites.

Boodleheimer · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:36 am Post subject:

my grandfather passed away last month. my public high school was really generous. it 'helped' that i was ridiculously emotional, i suppose. explain the situation. call someone. even today. i wouldn't wait until tomorrow. i wound up with about 5 days off. (one the day i found out he was in hospice care, one the day i found out that he had about a week to go, and three when he died. it was a horrible 10 days.)

Scarlet13 · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Changwon

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

I am pretty amazed at how connected some posters are/were to their grandparents.

I never shed a tear that mine died. They were old and I figured it was for the best. They were both in the hospital when they died, not healthy, so my family had hoped they would pass on rather than live in pain.

I never thought about going back for a funeral.

To the OP if it means that much to you, do it. If one of my parents were to die, I'd be on the first flight I could get on as they mean that much to me.

I-am-me · Joined: 21 Feb 2006 Location: Hermit Kingdom

English jobs in korea are a dime a dozen. Who cares what you boss thinks. If your family is important to you, leave. If not, then stay. Not one person here should worry about what their boss will do.