Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sunlit]

I just noticed that my contract has a penalty for unexcused absence. 20,000 won will be deducted per hour, even though the hourly salary is ~15,800/hour.
also, no mention of severance.
strange? common?

[schwa]

You cost your boss considerably more than w15800/hr when you factor in accommodation, medical, pension (if applicable), flight ticket, etc. Its not a common contract stipulation, but not unfair if you just didnt show up for no reason. Question is though, would you & your boss see eye-to-eye on whats an excusable absence? You might do well to clarify that.

Your contract doesnt need to stipulate severance as its a legal given, but most contracts do mention it. I'd hope your boss isnt trying to trick you, but it may be an oversight & he/she should be obliging about adding it in. If not be very wary.

The contract could be fine (for what contracts are worth here) if you like the rest of it. What do other workers there tell you? If there arent any, go with your instincts.

[sunlit]

i was actually re-reading the contract and emailed him to clarify certain parts of the contract. i don't plan on being absent, but it seemed strange to have 20,000 deducted out of my monthly salary when my hourly wage is so much less than that. it simply seems more reasonable to dock a day's pay for unexcused absences.
also, while i know that a contract is not as binding in Korea( vs USA) it would make me feel better to iron out any wrinkles before i head out there. i've been told that a respected elder in the city will be watching my back ( my parents know that koreans don't treat outsiders as well as they could). so i wanted to modify any changes that i found puzzling before i'm fully commited.

[schwa]

Sounds like youre on it, Sunlit. 'Respected elder' on your side is a definite plus! No blame for seeking a bit of clarification at this point -- shows youre not just coming in blind & naive. Dont overdo it though -- nitpicked contract details can really sour a situation here. By all means ask about your big concerns but in such a way as to show you dont harbor distrust. Mutual trust & respect are more important than any detail in the contract.

[sunlit]

while he has addressed the issues that i've brought up, he has made excuses for things being written as they are and asks that i just ignore them. i'm most concerned about the pay rate. on the contract it's a monthly salary, when i requested a change to show my hourly wage, he indicated that immigration needs a monthly pay rate. is this true or is he bein stubborn?

[schwa]

Monthly salary is the norm. Whats your concern?

[sunlit]

i think i'm on this message board too much and getting paranoid that i'll get hoodwinked. i was just in a huff because my director acknowledged that there are unnecessary terms in the contract and asked that i just ignore them instead of allowing me to strike out the mentioned sections. thanks so much for taking the time to go through this schwa. i really appreciate it.