Korean Job Discussion Forums

Mallard · Joined: 03 Jul 2008

I'm working at an afterschool program, and what was the sweetest job for the last 6 months just turned into a huge headache. I've not received my last months pay. I want to be proactive and take someone to the labor board immediately, but I'm not sure who to take. My contract is with the public elementary school that I teach in, but it's this middle man who is responsible for my pay.

I've come to realize that I know very little about this guy. I don't know the address of the company, or even his real Korean name. I don't have any business cards. I have his number, and know where his office is, that's about it. Ideally I would like to take him, since I know it's him that refuses to pay me. This whole situation feels like I'm working for a shadow, or an invisible hogwon or something.

So how should I go about presenting this case to the labor board? Do I take the elementary school that's on my contract and have them sort the mess out themselves with this middle man. Do you think there is any chance of seeing my money? Should I keep going to work?

Any advice on how to go about this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Cheonmunka · Joined: 04 Jun 2004

You really need his name and national ID number.
Apart from that, which would quite seal it in your favor, going to your local Tax Service office and discussing it with them might be another option. But, your public school contract is the one that is all in your court. That is, you are responsible as the sole dude working in that school collecting the fees and paying the taxes, which may be higher than you think. The other contract you have is a crock of shit.
But, let me know by PM who your agent is, or the 'company' name and might be able to assist you further, maybe not.

Korussian · Joined: 15 Sep 2007

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

Don"t you own the account? Can you find out when the money is deposited and take all of it out before he does?

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

Mallard · Joined: 03 Jul 2008

Thanks you all so much for the good advice. I'm just starting to wrap my head around the situation.

Cheonmunka, when you say my contract is shit, do you mean that I have no legal recourse in it? Is there some other contract that I'm not aware of? Doesn't someone have to be legally responsible for my pay? What I really want to do is take him to the labor board. Do you think this is possible once I get his info?

Also, D.D what account are you talking about? I get money deposited into my bank account by this guy. What am I missing?

Cheonmunka · Joined: 04 Jun 2004

Oh, sounds like a new scheme that I wasn't aware of. So, you have no contract with the school itself? How about your visa - who's that with?

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 1:01 pm Post subject:

First, tell the school you have not been paid and ask them for the contact information of your 'phantom boss'. If nothing happens and your pay is 14 days late, go back to the school and tell them that because they are your official employer under contract you are naming them in a complaint for non-payment of wages with the Labor Relations Commission (Labor Board). I guarantee the principal will ream your phantom boss' ass and you'll have your money within 24 hours. Cool

ontheway · Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 1:08 pm Post subject:

poet13 · Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 2:07 pm Post subject:

3rd'ed. Name the school as defendant and whether they like it or not, will have to sort it out. Then, if in fact the shadow was trying to burn you, tell him to go feck himself.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Public schools are scared to death of Labor boards and civil suits. They can't hide assets like shady crapwons.

ontheway · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 1:14 am Post subject:

ontheway · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 1:14 am Post subject:

Mallard · Joined: 03 Jul 2008

Hey everyone, I thought I would give an update. So yesterday I decided to give my phantom boss a surprise visit in his office. I refused to leave until I got paid, and I did. So luckily that's taken care of. When I was there I did some snooping and found a buisness card with his real name on it, the name of the company, its address, and took some photos of his liscense plate for good measure.

I also wanted to see a signed copy of my contract, specifically the one he had in his file. He then made up some story about how he let some investor borrow it or something, and didn't have it, but would have it soon ect. ect.

Then I decided to take the matter up with the public school and asked to see the contract I had with them, and they were like "We have no contract with you!" I told the Vice Principle that they're the sponsors of my visa and if my boss refuses to pay me again, that they would be liable. Whereas the VP reinstated that the elementary school had absolutely no obligation to me and produced the contract that he had with my boss. I asked for copies and decided to make my way to immigration immediately to sort this out.

When my boss got wind that I was on my way he totally freaked. He said there would be "much trouble" if I went. I went anyway, and he was there waiting for me by the time I got there. He pleaded with me not to make inquiries about my contract.

I think maybe he pretended to be an official of the elementary school. I'm not quite sure. Either way I'm sure it was hella illegal.

Finally we reached an agreement. I told him I didn't want to work for him anymore and that he is to procure for me a letter of release from the principle today. Let's see how this all pans out. I have a meeting with him and the principle at 11. I'm actually regretting not taking care of this yesterday. I'm afraid he's going to try something today. What I don't know...we'll see and I'll post again when this is settled.