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Hagwon swine flu freak-out and contract termination threat
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roadballmint



Joined: 09 Jan 2009
Location: Seoul, Korea

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 6:11 am    Post subject: Hagwon swine flu freak-out and contract termination threat Reply with quote

When my coworkers and I arrived at work this morning, we were informed that we were forbidden from going to Itaewon, Hongdae, or pretty much any festival/event/gathering that might have a lot of foreigners. They also told us that if we were caught out in Itaewon, Hongdae, etc. we would be fired immediately. I understand that they're concerned, but we're nowhere near the suspected Gangnam hagwons and we have no new arrivals.

My questions are:
1) Has anyone else been told this at work? None of my friends teaching in other hagwons have been told anything other than "be a little more careful"
2) Can our employer actually, legally restrict our movement outside of work like that?
3) If we do find that we've "accidentally" visited Itaewon or Hongdae, could our employer really fire us? Is that sufficient grounds for termination?
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bassexpander



Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 6:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My coworker's friend working at a hagwon in Kangnam has been held a virtual prisoner (so I've been told) by her boss -- not allowing her to meet any foreigners, either.
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ED209



Joined: 17 Oct 2006

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 6:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

They don't have the right to prohibit free travel. What next, not allowed to eat American beef? Only the police, immigration and customs have any real control over your movements.

It's unlikely you'll be able to convince your boss that they are not your owner. Just nod and go about 'business as usual'. But yes, do be careful.
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lifeinkorea



Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Location: somewhere in China

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 6:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would just wait it out until it gets forgotten like Osama Bin Laden.
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Bibbitybop



Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 7:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ED209 wrote:
They don't have the right to prohibit free travel. What next, not allowed to eat American beef? Only the police, immigration and customs have any real control over your movements.

It's unlikely you'll be able to convince your boss that they are not your owner. Just nod and go about 'business as usual'. But yes, do be careful.


Seconded.
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John_ESL_White



Joined: 12 Nov 2008

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 7:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

wow
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bassexpander



Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 7:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Don't worry... he's not concerned for your health.

He's paranoid his hagwon will have to close down, and his school's reputation will be forever tarnished.
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moosehead



Joined: 05 May 2007

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 7:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

hmmm, something along the line of

KISS

MY

SWEET (OH SO SWEET!!)

PETUNIA!!!!!!

Wink
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roadballmint



Joined: 09 Jan 2009
Location: Seoul, Korea

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 7:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

bassexpander wrote:
Don't worry... he's not concerned for your health.

He's paranoid his hagwon will have to close down, and his school's reputation will be forever tarnished.


Oh, I'm under no delusions that he's concerned for the health of anything but his bank account. It just seems like he's really overreacting for a hagwon that is nowhere near the suspected center of the outbreak. That's why I'm curious to know how many other hagwon teachers have gotten this order.
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dporter



Joined: 26 Apr 2009

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 7:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here in the states this happened at my local pub.

Bartender who is a favorite among the regulars went on a trip to Mexico. While she was gone the swine flu thing happened.

When she returned the pub told her should was not allowed to work for 7 days and she had to have a doctors note saying she was flu free.

I don't think that a school being cautious is too much. While none of you may be sick that doesn't mean that someone who is sick won't be at one of these big public events.
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AmericanExile



Joined: 04 May 2009

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 8:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My school suggested I stay away from large groups and foreigners. Strongly suggested. I have been called by the Ministry for health twice and by boss several times. Parents are scared.

I get where they are coming from. I don't care, but I get it.
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Yu_Bum_suk



Joined: 25 Dec 2004

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 5:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The biology teacher at my school told me not to go to Seoul. Since I had no plans of going there anyways it's no big deal. I'm just so glad this didn't happen two weeks ago when my parents were visiting.
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Lostone7



Joined: 08 Jun 2006
Location: SE Asia

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 6:09 pm    Post subject: Re: Hagwon swine flu freak-out and contract termination thre Reply with quote

roadballmint wrote:
When my coworkers and I arrived at work this morning, we were informed that we were forbidden from going to Itaewon, Hongdae, or pretty much any festival/event/gathering that might have a lot of foreigners. They also told us that if we were caught out in Itaewon, Hongdae, etc. we would be fired immediately. I understand that they're concerned, but we're nowhere near the suspected Gangnam hagwons and we have no new arrivals.

My questions are:
1) Has anyone else been told this at work? None of my friends teaching in other hagwons have been told anything other than "be a little more careful"
2) Can our employer actually, legally restrict our movement outside of work like that?
3) If we do find that we've "accidentally" visited Itaewon or Hongdae, could our employer really fire us? Is that sufficient grounds for termination?


OP, NO they cannot control a damm thing lol Though yes they think you are property.

Don't take offence OP Very Happy

But, when will Newbies learn! He is making that demand to protect his bottom line. SO firing you hurts his bottom line.

And if they fire you lol just make sure you Cough a lot in front of the students and parents on your way out. LOL then watch his bottom line then Wink Then head to the labor board file a complaint then get a new Job. This is simple lol

like my grand pappy use to say........"sometimes you just gota smack a horse to learn um sometimes"
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Bbang!



Joined: 31 Oct 2004
Location: Seoul

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 7:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

What's this "stay away from foreigners" stuff?

Do Koreans have some kind of natural immunity to swine flu?
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polonius



Joined: 05 Jun 2004

PostPosted: Mon May 25, 2009 7:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bbang! wrote:
What's this "stay away from foreigners" stuff?

Do Koreans have some kind of natural immunity to swine flu?


Yeah, there are some Koreans who will tell you that kimchi cures swine flu, SARS...

http://www.examiner.com/x-914-NY-Wellness-Examiner~y2009m5d5-Can-Kimchi-cure-swine-flu-and-other-diseases


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4347443.stm
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