Korean Job Discussion Forums

Crazy Gideon · Joined: 02 Jan 2009 Location: Planet Earth

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here is accepting a new 2009 contract to work for the Yeosu public school system as I've heard that the contact has changed in 2009 and also they have one standard contact for all teachers.

From what I've been reading, the PS contracts are usually a little more comprehensive than the Hagwons. However, there are many parts of my contract that lie in the gray area...

They are as follows:

1. It doesn't specify the exact number of paid vacation days.

2. The raise that I am supposed to be entitled to after one year of teaching (which is on a separate PDF) isn't listed on the contact.

3. Regarding housing, it says that it may be a dorm, apartment, house, and also, it may or may not be furnished.

4. It doesn't specify the overtime pay rate, however my recruiter says it should be around 20,000W/hr

5. And, as far as indemnity goes, they will take out 300,000W per month for 3 months, which seems a little high to me.

So, if this is a standard contract for all of the Yeosu schools, does anyone else have this contact and what do you think, proceed? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Also, I'm aware that I could post the contract in the proper forum, however, I would prefer to be a little more anonymous, play it safe, and post it here. Thanks! Smile

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:53 am Post subject: Re: 2009 Yeosu PS Contract

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

The indemnity clause has become more standard over the years and is basically runner's insurance. Make sure that they do an inspection of your place and itemize any problems you find----cracked walls, stains, leaky this or that---because you don't want them turning around and holding you accountable for them when it's time to leave.

The overtime rate is actually probably lower than 20,000 won . . . you'll get paid around 25,000 won per hour of after school activities (I teach, for example, a "conversation club" twice a week).

As for the raise, it usually isn't on the contract but you should be able to find it on the EPIK/GEPIK website (payrates are the same if I'm not mistaken).

The bit about the housing is unacceptable, though, in that your housing should be furnished. Contracts heretofore have specified the items provided---bed, TV, DVD/VCR, table, refrigerator, etc.---and have provided a 300,000 won settlement allowance to let you buy for yourself anything lacking.

Who is this contract through? A recruiter? The school board? Some of the items we've mentioned here seem unusual and kind of shitty, and I hope it's not a region-wide change.

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:34 pm Post subject:

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

From a perspective of someone who is seeing the negatives of a broad contract come to light.

Ask them to be more specific on those issues that worry you. Also ask them to change some to be more friendly.

The contract is made by the education office, but they are no where in sight when I am fighting the issues with the school.

If they wont come to an agreement that is fair then move on. If enough teachers refuse to sign the new contract without ammendments then maybe they will accept that we dont accept getting screwed.

The contract is really set against us in terms of dispute, its written very vague so that they can say "of course that will happen" when you sign it and then have them say "But it doesn't specifically say that" when you have a dispute with them.

The advice about recording the state of the apartment before you move in is great advice.

The contract will be followed or not by the school and so make the changes with them, ignore the "its a standard contract argument".
Its not written in a neutral manner, its been specifically written in a way that "the teachers will lose out if it gets to a legal dispute". Ask a lawyer to go over it, I bet you they can find a dozen or more ways to screw you on it.

The contract is supposed to provide clear guide lines for conditions and that is one thing the Yeosu contract doesn't do. So move on unless they are willing to change or be more specific about certain points in the contract. I mean they can offer us the contract, we dont have to accept it.

We are born with free will.

Crazy Gideon · Joined: 02 Jan 2009 Location: Planet Earth

Crazy Gideon · Joined: 02 Jan 2009 Location: Planet Earth

Crazy Gideon · Joined: 02 Jan 2009 Location: Planet Earth

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 8:29 pm Post subject:

[quote="Crazy Gideon"]I have asked them multiple times to append the contact and they're telling me that it cannot be changed, and if I don't like it, I should find another school. /quote]
And there you have your answer.

Korean schools/admin will not negotiate in good faith (usually). If you have concerns and they won't address them with contract changes, then I would "leave it". If you have concerns now, they won't just up and disappear once you sign on the dotted line. It's more likely to get worse, not better.