Korean Job Discussion Forums

cobbles · Joined: 23 Dec 2010

I just got a letter of dismissal from hagwon because i missed two classes.

A month ago, i read the timetable wrong and was 30 minutes late for a class.

2 weeks ago, (with only three weeks left on my contract) I missed a class because of a doctors appointment that went on too long. I called them 5 minutes before class to say that i could not make it. They had to find a replacement.

I have 8 working days left and they, are firing me, taking my Serverance but will offer me my flight.

They say i was fired because;
1) failed to teach a whole class twice
2) did not inform supervisor of my appointment (it doesnt say anywhere in contract that i need to do this).

Can i fight this with the labor board?

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

What does your contract say, exactly, about reasons for dismissal and sick days? Depending on what the contract says, then you may have a case at the labor board.

Rutherford · Joined: 31 Jul 2007

Why don't you call the labor board and find out.

radcon · Joined: 23 May 2011

When you were late and when you missed the class, did the school give you any written reprimand? If not, deny that any of that even happened.

cobbles · Joined: 23 Dec 2010

i got a signed a warning letter for the first missed class.

I have not signed the warning letter(which is bundled up as the letter of dismissal) for the second incident.

my contract states:

cobbles · Joined: 23 Dec 2010

to be honest i think they have me by the balls.

I still haven't signed the second "warning letter"/ letter of dismissal, but its funny what you have to do to get a warning letter. Simply miss a class...

I think they are covered because they've given me two warning letters.

I still would like to call that Labor Board

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

8 days prior to the end of contract... you MAY have a case for an 11th hour dismissal.

Late for a couple of classes or even missed a couple of classes over a year doesn't, in the eyes of labor, constitute grounds for immediate dismissal.

I would file a complaint. You have nothing to lose unless you are in a hurry to head home. (it is after all only a couple million won, it will delay your departure by months (better find a new job if you are going to fight it) and you may jeopardize your airfare if labor finds against you.

cobbles · Joined: 23 Dec 2010

What do you mean "it is after all only a couple of million won"

Are you talking about the Severance?

I will be staying in the country and hope to find another job so will be around to fight it.

YTMND · Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Location: You're the man now dog!!

I would offer to do some make up classes under the table. Also, I would talk to other teachers about this. If the school does this to you, then they are quite likely going to do the same with the other teachers.

cobbles · Joined: 23 Dec 2010

They fired a teacher a few months ago after he broke his leg and was out for a month.

They said "he can not perform his duties in class" or some shit!!

I called a nice man at the Labour Board and he said you have to get severance if your there a year and you have to be given 30 days notice or else you get cash for the remaining days.

Now they want me to leave in 8 days and I will have completed 361days out of the year - will i still get severance???

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

GO TO THE LABOUR BOARD. THIS STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN.

Your school sounds devious as they build up a few dings on your record and then use it at the 11 hour to fire you.

People really need to be aware of consequences. Schools can save all kinds of information to use later to fire.

OP. You have a good case, but you need to go to labour. You will need a translator likely.

But Tom is right, if the school decides to fight on this it will take time. If you have 8 days in which you want to go then - you might need to walk away. Unless you can stay or come back soon.

Let's hope a nice sit down and talk with an immigration official will change their minds.

Wildbore · Joined: 17 Jun 2009

Obviously it was unjust dismissal.

However, if he stays in korea, he won't get the ticket home, or would have to sue for it after he wins his dismissal case (which means staying here longer).

Tough choice if you really want to head home.

wishfullthinkng · Joined: 05 Mar 2010

NYC_Gal 2.0 · Joined: 10 Dec 2010

cobbles · Joined: 23 Dec 2010

Thanks guys for all your comments....really need all the help i can get now.

@wishfulthinking - i was in a dentist chair, and only had time to call 5 minutes before the class. It was unfortunate, but they had time to get someone to cover. So the kids had a full class.

Also guys I'M STAYING in the country, i have another job lined up for March, so i can stick around and knock on their door at anytime.

They are offering cash for the flight (which they actually don't have to give). I'm more interested in fighting for severance and the principal of getting fired 8 days before im finished.

I actually feel like i have a strong case here. The boss called me awhile ago to say that, he is sitting down with the president of the school and that he must have my signed document in front of him........it sounds very fishy to me!!!

important question: If your boss says you can finish your contract 4 days before the actual end date....are you still entitled to FULL severance. So, if you only worked 361 days of your contract, can you get severance or can your boss get away without paying you?????