Korean Job Discussion Forums

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Well I've been screwed and I didn't even get vaseline (sorry for the graphic picture).

I signed a contract and it said nothing about deposits or maintance fees. My employer told me after the fact that they would be taken out. A maintance fee of 50,000 won a month for housing and 600,000 won (200,000 a month for 3 months) for deposits. After they told me about this I went to my boss and stated I was pretty upset about it and of course bought the line that he'd take care of it (yeah pretty stupid).

Well I guess it's always fun to get screwed. Anyone want to give advice as to what I should do?

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

This seems to be a fairly common practice. There's a reason for it. Teachers wrack up huge amounts of unpaid bills before they leave. But it's a viscious circle. Let's say that you don't pay your bills for your last three months out of fear you won't see this money again. Then your boss freaks out and tries to charge the next guy even more. There's a reason why W600,000 deposits aren't uncommon.

On a personal note, I left a W600,000 deposit at my last job, and now that any unpaid bills will be in I'm expecting to see at least W500,000 of it back fairly soon. If I don't get it back, I have lots of time and friends who can help me make a complaint with the Labour Board. If I have to do this, after I get my money back, I'm donating it to charity, and sending ex-wongjongnim-babo the receit and a note explaning that I don't want any more money he essentially defrauded from parents.

pegpig · Joined: 10 May 2005

It has been done in the past by some employers, but I don't know if it's that common anymore. It happened to me in my first year and I had no problem getting it back at the end of the contract.

But, it's beside the point. If it's not in the contract, there's no way he should be doing this now. The 50k I could live with, but the deposit part no.

He said he's taking care of it. I'd give him until the next paycheck to 'take care of it'. If it doesn't get taken care of on your next paycheck, then you'll have to suggest to him that you may have to go elsewhere to get this matter rectified (labour office). If you have to go the labour office route you may be looking at a not-so-friendly remainder of your contract.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Yeah I understand the schools are getting screwed by teachers as well. At my last school I was actually able to set up my bills and have them taken out of my bank account. I would rather be directly responsible for them, then wonder if I'm getting taken by the school.

Certainly I view this as a contract violation, but I'm sure some on here will disagree with me. As I said after I was told about it I talked to my boss and he said he'd take care of it or I could quote, "kill him."

Well tomorrow there might be a little blood.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

1350 # for the labour board. Call them and inform them of the illegal deposit. They will get after your boss.

Say it with me people: DEPOSITS ARE ILLEGAL Exclamation

Tell your boss the maintenance fee isnt in your contract and if he STEALS your money you will take him to the labour board over that as well.

Done your visa run yet? Might be early enough to find a new job Wink

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

Refer to your contract...if it's not in it...don't pay! Simple as that. And stand by your guns!

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

even if the deposit is in your contract dont pay it! ITS FREAKING ILLEGAL!!!! The labour board will back me up on this one Wink

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Grotto and Hellofancy thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate it.

I plan to stick to my guns. I've already pretty much planned on threatening to quit if it takes it.

Grotto: Yes, I did my visa run on the 22nd of July. It's a pitty because I had (and I guess still have) high hopes for the school. I try to go into a job with a positive attitude.

peppermint · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 3:43 am Post subject:

As far as I know maintenance fees are standard practice- they pay for the lightbulbs in the hallway and maybe the building maintenance guy if there is one- stuff like that.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Peppermint-I wouldn't call it standard practice. Probably more like it's something that exsists for some, but not all. At my last school I didn't pay one. I guess it depends on the building you live in.

peppermint · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 4:09 am Post subject:

I don't have to pay one at my current school either, but I do have to replace the lightbulbs and sweep hallways once in a while. I've worked at 4 different schools, and lived in five different buildings- this is the first that I didn't have to pay. Also, you're the first person ( who's not in my situation) that I've ever heard say they didnt' have to pay that fee.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

50,000 won is a bit steep for a "maintenance fee"

Homer · Guest

The deposit is like a landlord asking for first months and/or last months rent before renting you an appartent back home.

It makes sense for the school to ask for one as they are the ones who usually rent or own the appartments the teachers use.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Homer