Korean Job Discussion Forums

[phnx4life]

The coming holiday, Aug. 15th is a nationally recognized holiday in S.Korea. It seems that my Hagwon director believes that all of the staff should work it. I told him that I don't want to work on that day. He believes that he can deduct my wages because of it. I believe that is illegal and he has no right according to Korean labor law to do so. My contract even stipulates that. I was wondering if anyone out there can give me the link to show me exactly that article regarding public and national holidays for teachers. If not, a general statement(correct about labor law) regarding this particular law from someone or a website would also be appreciated. I want to shove it in his face and let him read it. I believe the law generally states that, "All public and national holidays are recognized by Korea/Koreans and employers shall recognize them and allow such without wage deductions. If the employee wishes to work it, he/she can at a payment of 1 1/2 times that of a normal day of the working week." Thanks for your help folks!

[Imrahil]

Honestly it sounds like you have one of those terrible bosses and showing him where in the labor laws it states you do not have to work on holidays will not help really. He will just ignore it and say, "in Korea nobody follows the laws. I am god! I decide when my slaves work." Liberation Day (August 15th) is a national PAID holiday and virtually all hagwans will be closed, maybe not CDI though. DO NOT WORK IT, if he tries to fire you for this go to Labor Board. He is probably trying to intimidate the K teachers into working on that day and if he does, he probably thinks he can intimidate the westerners. If you can, I would try to record your next conversation with him just in case you have to go to the Labor Board.

[Ramen]

"NO!" is your friend.

[nomad-ish]

all i found was this (from 2003), and even then it doesn't seem to address your problem of national holiday salary deductions, although i guess you could tell your boss that if you work he must pay you more... but as another poster said already, i don't think showing your boss the labour laws will change what he does

[phnx4life]

Thanks for your support. I have already told him that I am not working it, but the k employees are and so are two other foreign teachers(from Wales and S.Africa} It makes cringe to see other foreign workers behave this way, like lap dogs....yuk. Besides the so-called boss is breking other labor laws..so if he tried to fire me, there will be a bigger mess for him to deal with. I think I should go to head office(since this is a franchise-Reading Town) and complain to them, if he deducts my pay. If that doesn't work, then the labor board will have to enter the picture. This is my last time working a Hagwon. I would suggest to all other foreigners to go into the public school sector. The contracts are becoming more and more appealing. Anyhoot, if you folks have anymore knowledge or contacts(people or websites that directly help), please list them for me. Thanks again!

[Imrahil]

While you are at it, tell those other foreigners to grow some balls. There is absolutely no reason for them to work, legally they have a paid holiday tomorrow. They are in the right not to work, due to Korean labor laws. If your boss is going to do this to them, I can't wait to see what he will do next. "Hey guys, I have decided that your salary should only be 1.5 mil a month. Okay?" I would not be surprised if that is next for those two teachers. If the K teachers want to work that is their choice, a bad one at that. I am sure you have already told them all of this, if he gets away with it this time. You know Christmas will not be a holiday and probably not Chusok either.

[yingwenlaoshi]

Your boss is a complete douche.

[sojourner1]

Most contracts state that Korean holidays are paid holidays off. Does your contract say this?

Sounds like a really fun boss to work for.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[CentralCali]

[moosehead]

[wylies99]

[travelingfool]

[Adventurer]

My hagwon also makes us work on the 15th of August. You are correct it is the law, but Korea is the same country where a former tax collector is under investigation for taking bribes. The government knows many places violate the law by making their Korean and foreign employees work that day. I could refuse to work, but my boss owns my visa, and this is Korea, not France, not Germany. The law often means very little in this country. This is my last contract and stint in Korea unless I come back with a master's and get a university job. I like the country, but the fact that they can't follow labour laws or tax laws in way too many cases is very unfortunate. Your case is not the exception. Many people have to work on August 15th. I agree, it is very stupid. Telling him it's a national holiday won't persuade him. How many Korean employers have had to be told that paying the pension is the law? I am pissed that I have to work tomorrow, but I am happy I am going home next year, and I like somethings about Korea.

[Young FRANKenstein]