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No housing provided, but security deposit still taken.

 
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mellow-d



Joined: 07 Oct 2009

PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 5:28 pm    Post subject: No housing provided, but security deposit still taken. Reply with quote

So on my second month of employment at a public school, I discovered that there was 500,000 missing from my pay. When I called the school, I was told it was for a deposit to be given back at the end of the contract. I am given a housing stipend each month, so the school can't say it's for housing. I've heard of these "deposits" before since they are designed to help the school cover costs of run-away teachers.

Anyways, the annoying part is that this deposit is not mentioned in my contract or in any of the documents I received pertaining to the job.It wasn't mentioned in my interview or orientation. I'm simply out 500000 that I wasn't expecting. Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm really annoyed because I just wasn't prepared for this happening.
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ttompatz



Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea

PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 5:38 pm    Post subject: Re: No housing provided, but security deposit still taken. Reply with quote

mellow-d wrote:
So on my second month of employment at a public school, I discovered that there was 500,000 missing from my pay. When I called the school, I was told it was for a deposit to be given back at the end of the contract. I am given a housing stipend each month, so the school can't say it's for housing. I've heard of these "deposits" before since they are designed to help the school cover costs of run-away teachers.

Anyways, the annoying part is that this deposit is not mentioned in my contract or in any of the documents I received pertaining to the job.It wasn't mentioned in my interview or orientation. I'm simply out 500000 that I wasn't expecting. Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm really annoyed because I just wasn't prepared for this happening.


Make sure it is NOT in your contract. IT would be a very non-standard contract if it wasn't or do you work for an "after school" program..

IF it is in fact NOT in your contract then it is illegal for them to take it. File a claim at the labor board.

IF it is in your contract (as it is in EVERY other PS contract I have seen since before 2001) then it is for coverage against YOUR causing a liability to the school, not to prevent a runner and is a normal requirement for all foreigners employed at a PS.

..
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big_fella1



Joined: 08 Dec 2005

PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 5:39 pm    Post subject: Re: No housing provided, but security deposit still taken. Reply with quote

mellow-d wrote:
So on my second month of employment at a public school, I discovered that there was 500,000 missing from my pay. When I called the school, I was told it was for a deposit to be given back at the end of the contract. I am given a housing stipend each month, so the school can't say it's for housing. I've heard of these "deposits" before since they are designed to help the school cover costs of run-away teachers.

Anyways, the annoying part is that this deposit is not mentioned in my contract or in any of the documents I received pertaining to the job.It wasn't mentioned in my interview or orientation. I'm simply out 500000 that I wasn't expecting. Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm really annoyed because I just wasn't prepared for this happening.


Talk to the school first if it isn't contracted it isn't legal. Actually it's unclear even if it is contracted, whether or not it's legal.

If the school is uncooperative call the labour board on 1830.
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mellow-d



Joined: 07 Oct 2009

PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 5:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is definitely NOT in my contract. I work for a Gangnam Public School- not on a SMOE contract. I have contacted my person at the District Office but I don't expect to hear anything until Monday. I know they changed the contract recently since they used to provide housing but as of this year, they only provide a stipend.
I'm hoping my school is just doing what they have always done each year and just didn't realize. I really don't want to go to the labor board because I really like the school and I'd hate to sour the relationship so early in the year.
So, it is illegal for the school to take out a deposit that isn't specified on the contract?
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Sody



Joined: 14 May 2006

PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2010 3:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Are you absolutely sure? I had a friend who worked for Gangnam, like myself, and he received an allowance but had to still pay a deposit. At your next monthly meeting bring up the issue and see what they say.
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Seoulio



Joined: 02 Jan 2010

PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2010 11:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It all depends on how they word it.

In my SMOE contract it clearly states that its a HOUSING deposit and that it comes out IF you take the housing.

I had my own housing

My school originally took it from me, and I said, um no way. They tried to ell me that it was a seurity deposit and that it has to come out.

I politely showed them the contract and asked for it back within the week.

They gave it back
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