Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sheeon]

I've been an EPIK teacher for the last four years and I learned something which was kind of "fishy" from the local city office of education where I work. I'm not sure whether this is a nationwide scheme, but hear me out and give me some advice.
I got the extension on contract last August, and everything was in order to begin the 2nd semester. The contract was between the Provincial Office of Education and myself.
As you know, if you work as an EPIK you are deducted national pension and medical insurance.
Well, here's what shocked me: on the computer records at the national heath insurance board (whatever they're called) I was recorded as being terminated from the medical insurance scheme. That got me wondering, was I fired from the Provincial Office? (since the provincial office pays for the medical insurance) Technically I was.
So I asked my local supervisor (he was the one who told me of this) what the story was, and he explained that I was still employed by the city office of education. So for example if you work for Gyeonggi province, and you are in Ilsan (just an example), Gyeonggi province has passed the buck to the Ilsan city.
I don't work for Gyeonggi, so I don't know what goes on there, but certainly from the story I heard here in the "south" it looks as though the provincial office of education are decentralizing. They just provide the budget to keep the ELIs.
That leaves me with a contract which I signed with the provincial office of education in August. Is it still valid? Should I get my severance pay (worth 4 years) since they have labelled me as being "terminated"
The local office of education says that I don't need to sign a new contract but he doesn't know it for certain.
I would like to hear if you're an EPIK teacher, what the story is in your provincial office. As I said I have only heard about it last night, so you may not know about this yet.
but I suggest you find out what your status is, because you may be refused medical insurance if you're labeled as being terminated from the provincial office of education.

Cheers

[No L]

Hi there,

I'm with EPIK, but newly so after 3 years in hagwons. It sounds like one of those disorganized, didn't-we-tell-you? things that the POE boards do though. Maybe the POE isn't providing your salary anymore and your city board of education has picked it up. I suggest asking your severance now. It might avoid confusion down the lline. Severance law allows you to request it any time. Also, can't the city board sign you up for medical insurance? Good luck, payday is Friday, non?

[sheeon]

Thanks for your advice No.1,
I guess I will file for my severance pay, the city education board has told me my serverance is still intact even though I have been terminated from
the Provincial Office, but I guess you can't trust them.
I realize that I can get medical insurance because the city office of education has taken over everything,
I still think we should sign a new contract, I will try to get to the bottom of this.