Korean Job Discussion Forums

lov2travel · Joined: 21 Oct 2008 Location: South Korea

I've been working at my current Hagwon since December 1st. I was told right after I signed the contract that the hagwon didn't give the previous teacher a pension. When I got my first paycheck and I asked about the pension I was told that the school didn't do it.

The reason she gave me was that because the school was under her husbands name and he also owned a PC bang business, that they didn't have to participate in it. I told her I wanted it and that it is required by law. She said no it isn't but she'll ask a friend. She said perhaps she might do it if she likes me, she didn't do it for the other teacher because she didn't like him.

Right. Sounds pretty unprofessional I know. Now, I don't plan to leave the school cause it actually isn't too bad. BUT I do want to atleast get my pension. I mean, in this economy...having a few extra grand when I finish my contract will be extremely useful in relocating and paying bills.

So, Any ideas on how I can approach the subject in letter form to the director. I've talked with a co-worker..she said I should mention how it is needed by law..and that I also plan to stay in korea for a few years so I will need a pension.

Any other ideas? I know it might cause me some trouble in the long run but money is money.

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

It is the law.

You won't get it.

If you cause a stink about it, she'll just fire you.

DeLaRed · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

isnt it illegal to have an E2 and be classified as an independent contractor and therefore have no pension/insurance?

Yes　I know plenty of places get away with it of course, notably CDI／Chung Dahm........

lov2travel · Joined: 21 Oct 2008 Location: South Korea

Hmmm I think I'll need to find the documentation stating I need it. The guy before me was registered as an independent too...

But I'll definately bring it up because she's already holding a half month pay "deposit" not mentioned in the contract.

So I'll save my money for the time when I'll have to pay the government once I report I'm not getting it....and hope for the best.

I'm already paying a small fee for my apartment rent so I might as well. Wink

Tobias · Joined: 02 Jun 2008

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:07 pm Post subject:

You should start saving for an air ticket home; or at the very least, a cheap yogwan for a couple of weeks and a visa run to Japan.

P.S. The bet time to run is immediately after payday (hopefully, a Friday - so they won't know you're gone until Monday).

superdave · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Location: over there ----->

go to the labour department.

get them into trouble for not paying pensions (which is illegal) ... then when they fire you, sue them for wrongful dismissal!!

profit!!

seriously, they're doing this to try and get out of paying the 4.5% that they have to contribute to your pension. E2 visa holders are NOT ALLOWED to be independent contractors. the school is your sponsor, end of story.

definitely go to the labour department ... your school needs to learn that they can't do this to every foreigner who comes on board.

lov2travel · Joined: 21 Oct 2008 Location: South Korea

I'm always trying to save some money to go home for when I have a vacation so that is not an issue. I will definately stay with this Hagwon for the whole year because it is the most stable I've seen except for the whole pension thing.

I plan to try and stick this one through so I can get better pay with the next hagwon.

What my contract states is that I get a severance pay. Now, at the time I thought that was what the pension was. But she told me it is seperate. She will pay me a severance pay.

What she was talking about with the whole "whether she likes me" was..She will be willing to "help me out" depending on whether she likes me or not. Pretty much she was just saying something to put me at ease for the time being and drop the subject.

From what I know, I AM listed as an independent contractor..or atleast the last teacher was. He tried to get his pension and was denied because he had been listed as one for the whole time.

So, I"m going to write my hagwon boss a letter stating why I need a pension and why she has to give it to me (It's the law). That way she knows I"m serious.

The links on the "pension sticky" are not working. Does anybody know where I can find some official documentation stating that I need to be given a pension as an E2 Visa holder?