Korean Job Discussion Forums

[moldenke]

I started a hagwon job towards the end of April and got paid for that month no problem (you can see where this is going...).

But come the first full paycheck (for May), they delayed ("We have a financial crisis.").

A payment plan was drafted (with a signature and stamp and everything) that gave the delayed pay in weekly chunks. The first installment came alright. Now the second chunk (to be delivered today) was less than one third of the stated amount. They now promise the rest of May's pay on next Thursday (obviously not happening).

I'm trying to figure out what exactly to do. I've learned the school has a history of this kind of crap (they don't pay teachers; they're bankrupt but refuse to shut down it seems), and I've read up on my options a bit.

I pretty much know for sure I'll need the Labor Board before I see any money, but since my main concern is getting the hell out of there and into a new job, I need a letter of release. I continue to work because if I don't show up, everything there will crumble and I have a desire to show a little dignity (I mean I don't want it to appear that I'm the one breaking the contract here, as soul-crushing as going to work has been).

But I have a very strong feeling they're not going to give me the release (at this point it seems a given, sounds like it happened to the previous teachers). I've heard that if they refuse and I take my situation to Labor, they can in conjunction with Immigration release me. Of course I can only imagine how long that would take - while I merely want to move on with my life and get another job.

Any advice? Specifically, about getting free from a contract if refused a release and how long it takes. Or anything else relevant. Thanks.

[some waygug-in]

Go to school, but refuse to teach until you are paid in full.

That way they can't claim you violated your contract.


If and when you get your money, tell them that due to their past history of non-payment, you won't be able to teach for them unless they pay your salary in advance.

I doubt that they will agree to this, but don't teach any more unless they do.

Any other scenario will ultimately end up in them not paying you a lot more than they already owe you, so be prepared to walk. You may have to.

[PRagic]

Give notice according to the terms of your contract and then get on up to the labour board. Get out while you still can. It will only get worse.