Korean Job Discussion Forums

Mongo5 · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Location: Ha'an

I am a newbee but I have been doing my research. I have found a contract with a 'good' school (Poly School) that I am really happy with.

But then I try and edit the contract to clearly outline Vacation, Overtime, Sympathy leave and enrolment in the National Pension and Health Schemes. I get the response "just sign the contract we gave you".

Now I am pretty certain that I will not be enrolled in either the National Pension and Health Schemes. What should I do? I have been told that because I am from NZ there is no need to pay for the Pension as there is no agreement between NZ and Korea. The Health insurance clause states that 50% of the costs will be shared by the employer/employee but anything over 300,000 won is my responsibility.

I have tried to work this out but, as always, time is of the essence and I really am happy with the conditions and the school! Any advice about what to do and how far to push it would be greatly appreciated!

I know that I should really stand up for these conditions to be added to my contract and walk if they don't budge, but I really want to work at this school...So I'm probably going to have to sign the contract.

In addition to everything else I need to get to Seoul by next Wednesday! So I also think it'll be pretty tight to even get a visa....!

Agh! What do I do I have been looking for a while and I really am happy with the school and general conditions?

Help! Advice

poet13 · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 7:33 pm Post subject:

Pension and health are required by law, and if they catch up with you, they can make you pay retroactive to your date of employment. However, given that there is no agreement between countries, and you won't receive it back as some other nationalities do, I personally would let it go. I would insist on some kind of health insurance though. I have Ace insurance. Cost is comparative, and my employer pays half. The trouble with signing up with the national health insurance, is that as far as I know, you show up on the national register which is shared with Pension. Hence, if you are on one, then you are on both. By not having the national health insurance or the pension, it also gives you a bargaining chip. If your relationship sours, you can use it as leverage. Yup, it would cost you a bunch, but the employer is likely to not want the government scrutiny should you threaten to blow the whistle on them....
just my opinion, I hope it helps.

Mongo5 · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Location: Ha'an

Thanks a lot for that Poet. That helps put my mind at ease a bit!

I'm not looking to get myself into any trouble but it is reassuring that if there are any problems then I will just need to repay the amount outstanding instead of getting kicked out of the country or so forth.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated Laughing

Cheers!

poet13 · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 8:00 pm Post subject:

you're welcome. but please also know that my knowledge is far from complete. I would continue seeking advice.
good luck.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Hi Kiwi,
NZ does have a pension agreement with Sth Korea. Kiwis are required by law to contribute to the National Pension Scheme while working in Korea. See www.nzembassy.com. (Also pays to carefully read the info about WORKING and living in Korea.)
However, unlike some nationalities (USA, Canadian), Kiwis can NOT be refunded their pension contributions (or their employer's contributions) when they leave Korea.
So, a smart Kiwi does not (refuses to) pay into the Korean National Pension Scheme while working here. It's just not worth it for a Kiwi to do so. In fact, if your employer deducts pension you may find they do not forward that money to the Pensions Office - they just use that deduction to lower your actual monthly take-home pay.
Other poster is correct. If you register for some types of health insurance you will automatically be flagged for the National Pension Scheme.
You should also know some schools specifically ask for Kiwi /Aussie teachers as the school reduces their monthly salary/expences that way. That said, these schools are generally in rural or other hard to fill places where the more 'popular' Canadian or USA accented teachers do not want to live and work. Hope this helps.

Mongo5 · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Location: Ha'an

Cheers rainbowtrout!

Yes I am aware that I would not receive any Pension repayments when I leave, but the loss of 4.5% of salary worries me less than getting myself into the sh*t !

I have to balance up between trying to fulfil what I believe is my responsibility and pleasing my potential employer! I'm just trying to figure out how to balance between these differing requirements. If Poet is correct then if there is any problem in the future then it is not the end of the world...

I am pretty happy with the school, it tried to get me for cheap but after talking we have worked out some conditions were we both are happy with. But when I rewrote the contract I hit a brick wall! I also added clauses that I have to agree to overtime and there needs to be written agreement for all changes to the contract ... perhaps I went too far and cost them some face?

What I really need to decide on (tonight) is if the pros outweigh the cons ... and if pushing the point is greater than the costs.

As always, us poor teachers need to make our decision RIGHT NOW. But thank you for your advice.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Some tips dealing with recruiters. Try and get a signed (faxed) copy of your contract BEFORE you leave Kiwiland. If you do not, they may (and a lot do) switch the contract back to their orginal contract once you're in Korea.
I'd be worried that they wouldn't re-write the contract to your expectations (if they were reasonable). This smells to me. I also wouldn't let a recruiter push you into a decision 'right now'. Take your time. If you sign a contract that has vague clauses - YOU WILL REGRET THIS.

You must get the daily hours of attendance and teaching - and class hours stipulated in writing. Or, you will end up working until you drop or burn out. That's the system over here. Remember, you are being recruited from a country that does not have a popular accent with Korean parents/students/teachers. So, the school is balancing their loss of student numbers against not having to pay pension (kiwi) and also your naievity for standard working conditions - and your need for a job (you are flying further than most to get this job). Good luck mate.

Mongo5 · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Location: Ha'an

Cheers rainbowtrout - I got the working hours clearly defined but the current teachers told me the old boss extended there hours in March without consultation ... so that was why I was trying to clearly outline that I had to agree to any overtime.

I'm not dealing with a recruiter but directly with the school (if that changes anything!) But I have to sign the original contract as the Academic Coordinator has refused all of my changes!! Yes I do know this smells a bit ... But if I want to take this chance then I guess I've got to do it.

I think I have shown the Academic Coordinator that I am fully aware of the standard working conditions and during negotiations I got them to change the hours from 9-8 (!!) to 3-9 and only lost 100,000won, and got 3 sick days added to the contract (yes I know it should have been there at the start). There is the issue of clearly defined vacation but what can I do?

They want me there by next Wednesday and now I'm starting to worry about how long it'll take to get my E2 Visa issued! How long does this usually take?

I have to send the documents tomorrow morning (in about 12 hours)...AH! No time to get these things sorted but I guess I just have to do as best I can and then take a leap into the great unknown!