Korean Job Discussion Forums

[toastburn]

Hi. I just got my 30 days notice today that I am fired from my hagwon job. To make a long story short, last week they told me that my current school is becoming smaller and that another school in a different city (same company) needs a teacher. So, I was told that I would be moving sometime in that week. (They told me this after I sat down at my desk, asked for my schedule and was told that I have no classes.)

When I asked when I would be moving, they gave me a vague answer - either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. On Friday, they told me that I would move on Sunday. When I asked about an apartment, they told me that one was not readily available, but that the school was looking for one. Then they told me that I was to stay with the family of a teacher from the school temporarily. When I asked how long 'temporarily' was, I was told up to a month. I refused to move and was fired today.

Now, I have been told that I am to move out of my apartment which is provided for me by the school on the 25th of this month. If I want to stay there, I was told that I have to pay the rent. At this point, I was also asked if I had any friends that I could stay with. They have agreed to pay my airfare home, and one month's salary. However, I have no idea about getting kicked out of the apartment so soon. Does anybody know if they are right or wrong here?? Please help! Thank-you!!

[winterfall]

It sounds like they're transferring your contract. Don't think they can do it even if its with the same company. Unless you've officially sign one with the new location. I don't think they can move you around.

Not sure why you got fired but 30 days is pretty good notice. Other posters on Dave's have talked about 2-3 days notice.

Anyone else got ideas?

[oldfatfarang]

Pretty sure you are entitled to stay in the apartment until the last day of your 30 day firing notice. Get that you've been fired in writing - and call the Labour Board.

However, if they give you your month's notice salary and airfare sooner - you may have to leave before your last notice day. Again, ask the Labour Board.

Could someone please provide op with Labour Board's phone number?
Whatever you do, start carrying your passport and important documents around with you, just in case the school enters your apartment and throws your gear out

Good luck. Keep us posted.

[nomad-ish]

have you spoken with the labour board yet? what did they say?

[DaffyD73]

No knowledge here.
But If they come through with your airfare and full payment of your 30 days notice salary then i think it's the best of a bad situation, and abide by thier request.
Technically one could argue that yes they are paying the 30days salary out but what about the 30days of contractual benefits - namely housing.
It all depends on what your next move is are you going home to saty for a while or wanting to find another employer here in korea.
Bt all things considered living with the family although for me may have been ok for a mth - the potential uncertainity would be a concern so a organised break of the contract and geting flight etc if confirmed would be the best situation to me. Of note say Yes to moving out only if all monies owed to you are paid B4.

[oskinny1]

[nobbyken]

I believe the number for the labour board is 1350.
(Perhaps 1588-1350, if not from a landline.)

[toastburn]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all of your tips, help, and opinions. I really appreciate it.

This is my second contract with this school, and I only have 3 months left on it. Then, all of this move and apartment stuff came up. I wasn't that put off by living with the family per se, it was just the short notice of being told to move, plus the fact that I couldn't get any information from them until the last minute that alarmed me. Also, when I asked about staying in a hotel instead, the school had no answer. What if I had moved there and they kept putting me off on my accommodation?

Anyways, as for the labour board, I've contacted them and have a meeting next week. I will have to see what happens after this appointment and hopefully things work out alright. The school says they are going to pay me, but they haven't said when. I thought the apartment was tied to the contract as another form of income. If they want me to work for them for the 30 days, shouldn't they have to pay me (i.e. house me as well)?

On another note, does anyone have any information about storage facilities in Korea? I know there are places to rent to store your stuff temporarily overseas, but I have no idea about South Korea. If you know anything about this, could you please let me know? Thank-you.

Lastly, you're right about the Labour Board number. The hotline is 1350, then press 7 for English. Also, if you google 'Ministry of Labour' in Korea, you'll come up with their website. From there, you can find contact information such as office telephone numbers, and locations near you. It is best, however, to have a Korean friend translate for you as I'm not sure how many of their personnel speak English fluently.

Thank-you very much again for all of the help everyone.

[I-am-me]

welcome to Korea. Looks like they are giving you a good offer. Take it.