Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Surfer Rosa]

The teacher whom I replaced had a bunch of overtime she apparently volunteered for. I'm at public gig, with 22 hours of normal classes per week spread between two schools. My school has me doing an adult class, two afterschool programs at one of the schools, and now the other school wants to add 3 hours of class to the two days I'm there. Basically, one 90 minute class one day, and a 45 minute class on the other.

I don't have a problem with the 27 hours, but the adding a 90 minute class at the end of the day where I have to stay later than 4:30 sounds terrible.

Do I have a choice in this at all? The contract states 22 hours but I'm unclear on if they can force me to do this afterschool program or if I have a choice and can just say "no".

[fromtheuk]

I believe legally they can 'force' you to work up to 28 or 29 hours a week, anything over that you can refuse.

Just be thankful, the overtime pay will accumulate quite nicely.

[littlelisa]

Actually, anything outside of your work hours, and anything that is above your normal duties in your contract you can refuse, I think. You're legally not allowed to be forced to do overtime as far as I know unless you agree to it in your contract. But definitely outside of normal work hours you should for sure be able to refuse, and that sounds like the part you mind the most.

I would refuse to stay after 5. But I would try to do it in a more polite way before I refused. Like, I would tell them that staying after 5pm would be very difficult and that you think you can't do it and see what they say.

[anynag]

The last teacher did blah, blah, blah is another way of coercing you into teaching extra hours for free. There's a strong possibility that their "story" is BS as well.

Are you being paid for the extra 5 hours you're already working? According to the contract, what is the maximum number of teaching hours the school can make you teach?

If you happen to be over that (maximum) number, then inform your school that "volunteering" is against the provisions of your visa status (if E-2), and that they'll be liable for any fines if immigration happens to investigate. If that doesn't work, then tactfully refer them to the teaching hours stipulated in your contract. Otherwise, you pretty much have to teach what the contract states as long as they're paying the overtime.

[Surfer Rosa]

Yes, they are paid hours of overtime.

They didn't even ask me if I wanted the afterschool program, just gave me my schedule. I wasn't sure if I had the power to reject it or not but that will put me at 28 hours a week. The contract was a little unclear in terms of if I had a choice or not, so if I do, I don't want this particular schedule of overtime.

[D.D.]

Don't do any extra work for less than 30000 for a 45 minute class.

[nourozi]

30,000?

I get paid 20,000 for overtime. Am I being ripped off?

[nomad-ish]

[PigeonFart]

If you dont want to do it (and it sounds that way...i'd be the same too), then tell them you'd like to do it but you cant because you have to....help the poor, play the guitar in your local church, play football with your expat team, spot your korean friend at the gym, any bullshit excuse.

BUT then say that you will consult your church, team, friend, whoever and get back to them on the issue because you'd like to help them. (give them hope that you might say yes)

Of course, anytime they ever ask you about it, keep saying that you'll get back to them after consulting witth your business partner, spiritual leader, team coach, friend, whatever. Eventually they'll get the message that they're getting nowhere with you. It's the korean passive aggressive way of dealing with things....its shite and an inefficiant use of time but that's their culture.

[Otherside]

OP, the general public school rule is this.

They CAN force you to do up to 6 hours of overtime (classes, the 90min class should count as 2 "hours") thus putting you at 28 hours a week. They also don't have to pay anymore than the rate mentioned in the contract...

BUT these classes have to be within your regular working hours (in your case, 8:30-4:30 correct?) Any class which falls outside your regular hours is up for negotiation. You can choose whether or not to do it, and you can negotiate a better rate.

[lifeinkorea]

If you are contracted to work until 4:30, then an easy way to communicate your commitment to the original agreement and refusal for overtime is to leave the school promptly at 4:31. Hop on a bus, get on the subway, drive your car, whatever. Just DON'T be there at 4:32. If they confront you as to why you left, pull out your contract and say you aren't interested in the overtime they are offering but you did appreciate them offering it to you. Smile and get on with the rest of the day.

[bogey666]

be very aware that the NEW GEPIK 2009 contract states that the overtime hours MAY be outside of your regular working hours.

(the 2008 contract was distinctly UNCLEAR on the matter)

ergo, UNLIKE many posters who think you can refuse after school extra classes (up to 6 hours weekly) - I say, you probably CANNOT.

but if you are already teaching an afterschool program, how many overtime hours a week are you up to already???

you can most definitely draw a line in the sand at 6hrs (no matter whether inside or outside working day) and say HELL NO.

what bugs me the MOST about your story is the manner in which this was handled.

if they just "handed me" my schedule this way , I'd pretty much tell them to phuck off.

that's not the way things like these are handled.. you are first asked/consulted... but yes.. they CAN force you.. if your total amount is 27 now..

they're also forced to pay you 20K an hour overtime. Many schools pay more. Mine is trying to pay me less. I'm going to "discuss" the matter with my VP.