Korean Job Discussion Forums

danxtptrnrth · Joined: 15 Apr 2010 Location: Boeun, South Korea

I work at a public school and I eat the school lunch. It is not free. I am aware of this fact. I was under the impression they would deduct the amount from my check as is the usual manner.
Today I found out that my school deducted money directly from my bank account. Is that something that others have experienced? Should I be worried that the school has the ability to remove money directly from my account?

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

If you don't like it complain to the bank.

Ramen · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

schlotzy · Joined: 10 Mar 2010 Location: South Korea

The same thing happens at my school. I told them I wanted to pay in cash and they wouldn't allow it. I figured this was one of those pick your battles times and I decided not to fight it. I just keep a close eye on my account and make sure no crazy withdrawls are happening.

Countrygirl · Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Location: in the classroom

And, yes, it's normal here. The school even takes the money for my kids lunches out of our bank account.

For this reason, my husband has one bank account for the school to withdraw money and one for the school to deposit money.

kiwiinkorea · Joined: 17 Aug 2009

Yes, it happens to me too. It bothered me at first as well, but I found out it happens with all the teachers. It would have been nice to have been told about it happening though.

I also think that there might be a limit on the amount they can take out in one go as when they mistakenly gave my overtime pay to another teacher they had to ask her to give it back - they couldn't just take it out of her account.

If it really bothers you either ask them to stop or open another account and transfer most of your money there each month.

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

I second the "new account" suggestion, regardless of whether they continue to do so or not -- keep enough in it to cover your lunches, and keep the rest of your money under your own supervision.

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

it should be deducted from your paycheck,not your bank account.

no, it's not normal. ask questions and insist it stop. complain to the bank also.

AsiaESLbound · Joined: 07 Jan 2010 Location: Truck Stop Missouri

I wouldn't worry about it as long as they are taking out the correct amounts. Just because they can take money out doesn't mean they will scam you. If it weren't the lunch money, you wouldn't even know it was possible. I would suspect many bad and terrible things are possible if someone dealing with you wants it that way. Let's hope not! As for getting another account, if they know that account info, then they also have access to it too. I wouldn't worry unless you are having problems with your school. I had to turn on auto bill pay by giving my bank info to a cell phone shop in order to get a contract cell phone. No problems, yet.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 4:43 am Post subject:

Have any of you ever heard of automated payments from a bank account?

They cannot deduct it from your paycheck.

They maybe set up an automatic payment from your bank account for convenience. Before complaining, enquire about this politely. If you prefer, have the school hand you a bill at then end of each month or on pay day, then go to the bank and pay the bill yourself.

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

Fox · Joined: 04 Mar 2009

My school gives each teacher a bill each month which they are expected to pay with cash. No deductions from paycheck, no bank withdrawls. Our school is a small one, though; larger schools may simply feel such a system is too inefficient.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 2:49 am Post subject:

Moose...

considering they (employer) set up the bank account for their teachers...they may have done this for convenience.

Before assuming this is some sinister plot to cheat poor ole wayguk teacher, ask politely and if the Teacher is more confortable with receiving a paper bill each month, ask for it.

Or completely overreact like Moose advises, open a new 'secret' account and confront yout boss....

Up to you really OP.

Personally, before going ballistic, I would at least make sure this was not just some standard procedure for your school set up for convenience. But hey, that would be a reasonable and calm approach...not nearly as sexy as going out guns blazing against this obviously evil Korean employer!

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

I was happy when my school switched to that system this year. Saved having to do a monthly transfer.

ED209 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006

Though your school is unlikely to directly steal from your account handing them such power could cause future troubles. If you come into a dispute with the school what's to stop them from withdrawing a settlement from your account?

Talk to your bank, cancel the withdrawals, tell your co-teacher.

You don't want 500,000won going missing because you injured the administrator's wrist in a ping pong match.