Korean Job Discussion Forums

[romano812]

Here's a problem for you. My employer has done several things I believe are unacceptable and I am looking for the opinion of others. First, they have cut my holidays in half from what it was suppose to be. Second, they were suppose to reimburse my airfare and pay for a return flight at the end of my contract. Now they say no, they only pay for the return flight. Third, now they tell me for my summer holiday I have to either come back 7 days early for "swine flu screening" or take 7 unpaid days upon my return.
I feel this is ridiculous, and think I should just cut loses and bail.

What would you do?

[Theo]

Sorry to hear that. Wish I could say I'm surprised, but no. Typical, typical Korean employment experience. Clearly, they care nothing about you, or upholding the terms of the contract.

Do what you gotta do...

and good luck!

[Whistleblower]

When you get paid next, pack your bags and run. Otherwise contacting the Labor Board would be the best bet but expect a battle. Judging from the situation you will be lucky to get your severence.

Keep us updated with whatever you decide.

[Theo]

[cruisemonkey]

[iggyb]

How long have you been there?

I agree with the thoughts above on the labor board, but at least for me, how much time I had invested into getting the bonus would be a factor I'd consider:

If I were close to finishing the contract, I might accept going to battle with the school and labor board to get what is owed me.

If I were not close to the end, I'd probably just bolt after my next pay check...

[romano812]

I have just finished my 3rd month, and presently still hold a plane ticket from my last school. I have been in Korea for about 2 1/2 years, but only 3 months with this present employer.
As it stands right now, my flight is paid for by my previous employer (not this one), and I have been paid up until the end of the is month, which is today. The only thing I would have to do is empty my bank account, cash out my pension, and leave.
We've already tried talking about this and they are not changing their minds. So, either I give in to everything they want or I leave.

What would you do?

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

Leave once you get paid.

[romano812]

Well have sat down in 2 meetings now with my employer, and it has been less than productive. I think they are just full of lies and don't want me to leave.
First, I was supposed to have 40 days of paid holidays, then they said no that is a mistake, it is only 20. When I confronted them about this in one of the meetings they said oh, yes it is 40 days. However, when I asked them to show me the 40 days on the calendar they said no.
Second the school was supposed to reimburse my airfare 30 days after I got here. We agreed they would pay for a flight during my summer vacation. Now they are saying no, too late.
Third they are telling me the 7 day flu quarantine is government issued and is mandatory.
We got into a big arguement over the whole thing, they are not budging, they said if I try to leave the country they will make trouble for me. So, I told them I would give them my 60 days notice as required in the contract. They still flipped out, telling me I can't do that and I will be in big trouble with the Korean government if I don't finish my contract.

On and on... really beginning to hate Korea.

[alphakennyone]

Well, make it very clear to them. They can find a new teacher in 60 days, or they can find a new teacher tomorrow. Empty threats. what can they do, throw you in jail for not teaching their rube customers? The worst they can do is not pay you - and hell, they've already done that by withholding flight payments. No money, no teachee.

[AgentM]

[Carla]

[Whistleblower]

Write your notice, hand it to them, keep a copy and make sure you sign both copies (take a photo of it) and be prepared to be kicked out early from the school. Line up some school interviews, get an exit plan and whatever you do ensure you have enough cash for a few weeks.

Remember Korea is a developed country with undeveloped work ethic. Koreans get highly emotional and childish if they can't get what they want and it ain't just contained to English Hagwons.

[romano812]

The funny thing is, this isn't a Hagwon, this is a public school! One thing I've noticed in this whole mess is that it is the recruiter and not so much the school causing all the problems. I realized I have a contract with the school, I don't have a contract with the recruiter. As far as I know I have no legal obligation to the recruiter, and don't see why I even have to talk to them at all.

[romano812]

after my meeting on Friday I told my school that I think the best thing is for me to give my 60 days notice and leave. I asked them to contact me over the weekend so we can confirm this and determine when my last day of work will be so that I can get my things in order and book my flight. Well Friday night has gone by, Staurday is finished, and here I sit Sunday getting close to lunch time and still no call, email, or knock at the door.
I think this pisses me off even more because at least I am trying to be as accomodating as possible. Oh well, you live and learn. At least I did have 2 other good, decent schools in Korea before this one.
Sorry for all the negativity guys, and thanks for all the advice.

One more thing. I have 5 more days of work before summer vacation. In my contract it states if I take more than 7 sick days in a row I need a doctors note. Since I have only 5 more days before vacation I'm thinking of just calling in sick all week. Now in terms of my pension and ARC, should I cash in my pension before I leave or wait until I return to my home country? Do I turn in my ARC at the airport or can I mail it to embassy upon m return home? Obviously if I cash in my pension and turn in my card it is clear I am leaving, so what kind of crap can I et into if my employer hows up at the airport or if I get detained. Can I return my ARC once I get to my home country, or is this a serious problem?
One more time what do you think?