Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PatrickGHBusan]

I for one did not mention daily positive coverage of foreigners in the media. That does not occur nor does daily negative coverage.

I have read over the years and seen over the years stories that show foreigners contributing to their community in Korea. Some TV shows on K-TV do this pretty often. Most of the time the media just ignores foreigner all together which is neither good nor bad, just a matter of what they need to cover.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[hiamnotcool]

[PatrickGHBusan]

[maximmm]

[PatrickGHBusan]

Not a defense. Not at all.

Just a fact of life when it comes to foreign labor. It is in fact exactly what foreign labor is (including Fts in Korea): foreigners brought in on a temporary basis to fullfill a labor need. End of story.

The migrant factory workers in Korea are for the most part treated like crap. This is a fact and it is sad and for many a very hash life. This is something that should be improved but likely will not or will only do so very slowly over time. You feel this is wrong, then heck, DO SOMETHING about it! If not, all you are doing is meaningless and empty posturing online to make yourself look good or feel better. Thats ok, you are far from alone in doing this. It is easy to accuse and point a finger but a lot harder to do something. Wait, I know, its not your problem, its Korea's problem. Right got it, buck passed.

[maximmm]

[some waygug-in]

Just as an aside; there's a story in the news recently about Chinese mine

workers who were brought to Canada by a Chinese mining company.

They were said to have skills that no Canadian mine workers had and thus

were necessary for the type of mining being undertaken.


Yet, the unions in Canada saw to it to get these workers expelled stating that

they were stealing jobs from Canadians.

I'm not a miner, nor do I understand all the details but I think Patrick is right

when he says these things happen to foreign workers everywhere.


As far as "banding together" and doing something about it:

ask about AFEK and other attempts at that kind of thing.

There's not a lot foreigners can do; you can try and find ways to

ignore what's going on (as in concentrate on making money or something

else) or you can whine and moan about the problems . I am just as guilty

of the latter as anyone. The 3rd option is to go elsewhere.

But as far as weigukins making any kind of meaningful change...I don't see it happening.

(sorry for the meandering drivel above, I don't have time right now to

sort it out)

[maximmm]

[some waygug-in]

Here's the link you asked for:

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/b-c-mining-firm-sends-16-chinese-workers-home-delays-hiring-more-1.1133847

I agree with what you are saying, I just doubt it will ever be possible.

People come to Korea from all over the world and are never going to agree.

That's one of the reasons why so many foreign teachers develop a 'me first'

attitude. I found it appalling when I first went to Korea, but later I found myself doing the same thing. It was the only way to survive.

[PatrickGHBusan]

[PatrickGHBusan]

AFEK works very well.

ATEK failed. It had the potential to be a good thing but it was critically flawed at its core.

[maximmm]

[some waygug-in]

From the article:


"In the absence of being able to find Canadians qualified and interested to do this work, we need to know we can rely on the two-year temporary foreign worker authorizations we received."

The International Union of Operating Engineers and the Construction and Specialized Workers Union have been challenging a decision by the federal government to issue permits to 201 temporary foreign workers.

That judicial review is slated to take place in April.

The company has argued it made significant efforts to recruit qualified Canadian workers and met or exceeded all the requirements of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada in obtaining temporary foreign worker permits.

But earlier this month, the company reluctantly agreed to turn over to the unions the resumes of hundreds of job applicants who were turned down.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission also rejected a complaint filed by a Chinese miner against the United Steelworkers, over the union's vocal campaign against the workers.

The worker argued that the union allegations were "likely to create contempt for Chinese persons and in particular Chinese mining workers."

HD Mining said it will continue to "vigorously contest" the unions in court.


Whether or not the Chinese company were being truthful is a matter of
debate.

Far be it for me to judge one way or another.

That being said, how would you like it if someone like me were to be your union rep? Or how about Patrick? Or someone who was completely at odds to your views?


One thing I've learned about unions is that I usually don't agree with what

they are doing, even if they claim to represent me.

[PatrickGHBusan]

I am part of a union (through my work) and for the most part, it sucks. Sorry but it does.