Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tourist]

The week before last I was walking to work`and just as I got in the door, I slipped on a patch of ice, my legs went from under me and I landed full force on my back. I was panned out for at lest 20 minutes. Somehow, I managed to get through the day but by last class I was unable to walk and in excruciating pain. To cut a long story short, I ended up in an ambulance.

After getting some x-rays that showed I had no broken bones, the doctor diagnosed a strained/torn muscle. He told me to rest for 2 weeks and gave me a medical cert. My coteacher was in the hospital and saw all this. I called in sick for the following Monday and Tuesday even though my coteacher did her best to make me go to work. I went back on the Wednesday and got through the week in considerable pain.

The following Monday I went to work, but I broke down in agony on the way home. Right now i am unable to walk without being in alot of pain. I told my work I needed the rest of the week off. They insisted I go to work. I told them I was physically incapable of getting to work. Relucantly they 'agreed' but then said if I take more than 2 days off, there would be a 'serious impact' It's now Wednesday and I haven't worked today or yesterday and I'm not going to work tomorrow or Friday as I am physically not able. They threatened that my job was in danger and I am now being monitored. By the way it takes me over an hour to get to work via bus, train and walking.

Do I have any legal rights? Coz I certainly ain't going back til I'm fully recovered.

[Radius]

Typical Korean reaction. Koreans are never expected to take off of work for being sick because it makes the person look weak.
OP, if you are truly physically unable to go to work, screw them. DON'T GO IN. Call them though and tell them, don't pull a no call-no show.

They're just more than likely playing hard ball with you. They might give you attitude for a couple weeks after you get back. Try to get on their good side again once you are back, and things should go back to normal. I don't think your job is in jeopardy, because all that would happen by them firing you is they would get stuck with more recruiting costs and airfare to bring a new teacher in. If I were you, I'd call their bluff. For God's sake, the korean co-teacher was there at the hospital and saw your diagnosis and you have papers from the doctor, what more does your boss want?!

[jrwhite82]

Well, they won't have to pay you for the time you missed after you used your sick days most likely.

Also, this could be grounds for dismissal because most contracts state that if you miss a certain number of days (even due to illness or injury) they can terminate you.

If you've done a good job up until now, and have made solid relationships with your boss and coworkers, I wouldn't worry. If you were already on thin ice, I'd start making plans for new work or an exit strategy.

I'm pretty sure Korea does not have the same kind of laws as we do in the West for workers comp. I know back home you could win tens of thousands of dollars suing for slipping on ice, but here in Korea....I highly doubt it.

[D.D.]

If you are anywhere close to itaewon there are two chiropractors at the end of the main street. Other than that go get some acupuncture.

[walterkim18]

I hope that your hagwon has you registered in the national health insurance system, it sounds painful and possibly expensive for checkups.

If you really can't go in, why not offer to find a part-timer to take your hours, until you're back on your feet. The hagwon pays you the normal salary and then you personally pay the part-timer. Hope you feel better.

[oldfatfarang]

Check your contract OP. After producing a doctor's note, you are entitled to the number of paid sick days in your contract.

After you have used your paid sick days, you may be given unpaid sick days (at your school's discresion).

However, they might hire another permanent teacher while you recuperate (and fire you when they arrive).

Something to think about. Is $2,000 a month worth permanently damaging your back.

Good luck.

[McGenghis]

[Louis VI]

A desk fell over and broke my big toe in '05 and I went to the hospital, got x-rays and painkillers and was back in time to finish the last two classes of the day, escorted by my boss. I couldn't walk normally for two months, and taught half-sitting (on a bar stool I'd requested and the hagwon had quickly bought). Fortunately, I knew before coming to Korea in '02 that there is a culturally-ingrained mandate among Koreans to take as little time off work as possible due to health issues and so I manned up and made the best of it.

[PatrickGHBusan]