Korean Job Discussion Forums

McNasty · Joined: 04 Jul 2003

A friend of mine has informed me about a situation at Ewah ALS.
I won't disclose the location due to my friend's personal request.

Apparently, they are paying all the teachers and staff only 30% of their monthly wages and claim to offer the rest of their paychecks to be transfered on the 20th of the month.

They claim to be having cash flow problems. No comment.

Anyway, the reason I am posting this is because the teachers at this location want to know if it is only their location or is it company wide?

Any additional insight would be greatly appreciated by my friend and his fellow coworkers.

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

Can confirm this as I am an Ehwa employee too. It seems they are rationalising their operations and closing several branches. It has left many of us in the lurch and I can bet the management at head office in Busan arent taking a temporary pay cut. #########

ED: *tapping the filter dodge rules* ahem. -Hya

Juggertha · Joined: 27 May 2003 Location: Anyang, Korea

Ah thats too bad. So I'm guessing this would be all locations (or are some privately owned?)

Confused Canadian · Joined: 21 Jan 2003

Another report....this one from a friend of mine who used to work at an Ewha, but now just has friends who work there.

She mentioned a similar story...teachers paid 30%, but didn't mention anything about getting the rest of it on the 20th. Will be interesting to see what happens.

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

In 13 months of working for them, only one payment was late, and that was severance. I did get it, however.

McNasty · Joined: 04 Jul 2003

jaganath69, isn't it convenient that they chose the last day of summer session to close up shop. A typical take the money and run move which Ewah is becoming notorious for.

I have heard about teachers being delayed bonus payments for as long as 5 weeks and being shorted money as well.

When I worked there, they tried to rip off another teacher and I. As soon as I mentioned lawyer and labor board, the shorted money magically appeared.(I am not bragging) I hate having to take a negative route to find a solution, but some of these owners are so dirty that it is the only viable option.

What a ridiculous way to operate a business. They try to shaft you and get away with it in many cases. Unless everyone stands up for there rights they will continue to take advantage of whomever lets them.

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

thepeel · Joined: 08 Aug 2004

This is not good.

Dalton · Joined: 26 Mar 2003

EWHA is well represented on all blacklists. I apologize and I wish I could help you all but please be careful about signing with schools or chains that receive multiple blacklistings on all the blacklist sites.

I advise all of you affected to go to EFL Law

Maybe they can help you. They should at least be able to advise whether to to cut and run or fight. This board can help you with the run if that's the verdict.

PatrickSiheung · Joined: 21 May 2003

You guys are getting this way out of proportion.

I currently work at Ewha. Yes it's true that all branches were only being paid 30% and the rest on the 20th.

It's true that Brian, the owner, has made some bad decisions in the past and they are finally catching up with him. Apparently, because of the bad economy, many franchise owners did not pay their monthly franchise fee. Ewha will be selling some of their current schools as franchises again and they will also be merging a school or two.
Brian opened many new schools that aren't doing very well either. It's simply a case of them spending money that they didn't have and losing the gamble.

The teachers at our location did band together and came out on-top. If you only received 30% of your pay it's your own fault. There's no need to go to EFL law or any such thing. I would have suggested a tactful letter stating that you would approach the Ministry of Labor if you didn't receive full pay, but it's too late for that now. No point in causing a stink now. Just wait. You'll get your money. Perhaps you could write a letter officially requesting full payment on the 20th...? If not, say you will go to the labor board. It will work.

There's no need to get angry at them. Your school director especially may also be paying for this. I know our's hasn't been paid in a while. So give him/her a break and try and remain polite and civil. You'd hate to put up a big stink, get your money on the 20th no problem and then have weirdness for the rest of your contract. Try and keep it light. Nothing can be accomplished by freaking out.

nasigoreng · Joined: 14 May 2004

I work at Ewha ALS now and all the teachers: foreign and Korean, are scared.

The foreigners were paid 100% but one day late. The Koreans were not paid on the same day and I don't know when they will be paid.

Enrollment is way down for the summer and the school is hurting for money. Our school's future is uncertain- unless there is a surge in enrollment for the September session, I can't see the school keeping it's doors open.

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

My school downsized just as I left...another teacher also finished his contract, and we were replaced by 1 teacher.

In their defense, one was all they needed. Business was bad there too, and we had a management shake-up at the beginning of the last term. It didn't fix the problem, and just caused bad morale, and a teacher working there for 3 years to quit. Smooth move, guys.

PatrickSiheung · Joined: 21 May 2003

Keep in mind that Ewha has about 53 schools. Not sure if that includes it's franchised schools. One or two schools may close, yes, but that's just a drop in the bucket for them. If you think your school will close, start looking for a new job. It's simple.

Taking control over your own future and actively looking for a more stable job is a lot better than becoming depressed and worried about losing your job at Ewha and maybe having to go back home. If the situation really is that bad and you're losing students/teachers, why wait? Start looking now and you'll have another job lined up in no time.

Dalton · Joined: 26 Mar 2003

Will EWHA give release letters to teachers who want to move on or lose their job due to EWHA's growing pain problems?

I don't work at EWHA but this question begs to be asked and clearly answered. I bet it would soothe a lot of frazzled nerves if EWHA offers to do this in a clear statement.

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

That would be admitting that they have financial problems, and it appears to be above their ability.