Korean Job Discussion Forums

beatuh · Joined: 28 Dec 2009

I have a few days left before I could file a formal complaint against my school for letting me go a few days before my contract was up. From what I know, I can only receive my last months pay, housing deposit, and one months pay for telling me last mintute that they were going to let me go. I really wish I could do more.. I'm still screwed out of a weeks worth of holiday pay, and airfare... =(

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

Let me guess. They came to the conclusion, a couple of days before your contract was up, that you are a bad teacher.

beatuh · Joined: 28 Dec 2009

Agent 13 · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Location: Look Inside

OP, you can rest assured that some sad-sack or another will be along here pretty soon to try to kick you when you're down. That's because you're committing what some rather strange individuals consider the cardinal sin of pointing out some despicable managerial conduct that seems to happen all too often here in Korea. You'll most likely be accused of exaggerating the extent and gravity of your predicament (even though you're clearly being victimized by the same kind of shenanigans that have been reported over and over again by countless people who've gotten shafted in Korea in precisely the same manner). Failing that, someone will try to lecture you on how you're somehow to blame for causing your Korean boss to "lose face" or some such nonsense. Indeed, you may even be branded a "racist" or a "bigot" if you have the temerity to express even a hint of anger or disappointment at the obviously deplorable actions perpetrated against you by your Korean boss, simply because he is Korean and you're "a foreigner." But I trust you already know it's coming, and that it's a complete load of crap.

It sounds like you've done the honorable thing by trying to work with your boss while he's undergoing some financial strain. Clearly you haven't been unreasonable or unsympathetic to his situation. That's a testament to the kind of values with which you were raised, no doubt. Note, however, how your gesture was received by your hakwon boss. If you were expecting even a hint of gentlemanly reciprocation, you've now discovered that it won't be forthcoming anytime soon. In fact, your kindness will be used against you. That's the kind of values with which this pathetic individual was raised, apparently. Chalk it up to a lack of virtue and honor on his part, OP.

Don't let anybody tell you not to take action. Just do what you've got to do, in whatever way is comfortable for you. You may not prevail, owing to the very intersection between immigration law and labor law that your hakwon boss is knowingly exploiting to take advantage of the situation so that he can profit at your expense. Nevertheless, keep your chin up and good luck!

Regards,

Agent 13

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Agent 13 · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Location: Look Inside

The Urban Myth's advice should be heeded on this one. TUM and I may not always agree on everything, but I've got to tip my fedora and give him his due respect here. Good luck, OP.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 5:50 am Post subject:

Clear Labor board case.

Contact them asap with proof.

Do not let this sit for any lenght of time.

beatuh · Joined: 28 Dec 2009

frankly speaking · Joined: 23 Oct 2005

Looks like you get your last months pay and an additional month which would be equivalent to your severance. The only thing that you are out of is your ticket home. Make sure that you get your pension also.

You could either find another job and have them pay for your visa run back home. I know of a few people that get a 2 week trip back home that way. It doesn't always work, but it might.

Personally, if I weren't going to work in Korea again, I would just buy my own ticket and get the hell out. Lawyers and legal battles are lengthy and expensive. You would probably win, but I just don't care that much about 800 hundred dollars or so to fight for it.

I think that you are in a good position to get most of what is coming to you.

Consider it a victory for justice and head home.

Please make sure that you warn others about this school. You don't want their incoming teachers to get screwed over.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 6:27 am Post subject:

Well put frankly speaking.

Also if your former employer is indeed short of money or near to being out of business, you may fight a legal battle that will cost you money and win nothing in the end cash-wise.

Sounds like you should get most of what are owned. You can cut your losses here move on based on what the Labor Board will do.

Still get stuff in writing, keep your pay stubs and contract handy and contact the Labor Board as soon as possible.