Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gypsy trader]

Hello,

Are there tactful ways to rewrite or negotiate changes in contracts? I have one that needs alot of work- whaddya think? I am aware that relationships are often more important than the written word, however I also like to know what the general expectations/rules are for work.
Any firsthand experiences, feedback, thoughts you'd like to share about rewriting contracts?

Thanks in advance.
gt

[Kristsoy]

[Skarp]

Sad but true I fear....

Truth seems to be plastic in Korea. We even have trouble with our supervisor lying to our faces and not even seeming to realise it's a lie...and you can forget an apology..

Living here you have to accept this fact. Many people are lucky and can have a good time, but if you're one of the unlucky ones you will come to hate it and probably think all Koreans are dishonest scheisters.

Still counting what blessings I have while looking for a real school in Japan.

There's no point negotiating a contract - apart perhaps for money. Anything else they will probably not honour unless it suits them.


Skarp

[kangnamdragon]

Are you trying to change the contract before or after you sign it? If you don't like something, don't sign it. Just say what you want changed. Don't let them walk all over you before you even start the job.

That being said, exactly what do you want changed? We here could probably tell you if it is possible.

[Skarp]

Original poster was making what I think is a general enquiry.

Basically - suppose I negotiate a change of contract - they write it in the contract - will it make a difference? Or will they just do what suits them?

Answer - I think - is no difference - a bad contract probably means a bad school/director who will mess you around.


The op was also asking about how to negotiate - and I too wonder how to do this with Koreans (and to be fair with anyone) The directors seem to think they have the upper hand when in fact good teachers are rarer than rocking horse manure in this part of the world. Trouble is they believe they can replace us as easy as spit. You just can't fight such stupidity...


Perhaps the only way to negotiate is to walk away - saying not good enough. If enough people did this they would eventually learn. Or maybe they would just call is 'selfish'.


Still looking for a proper school in Japan - anyone know of any? Compare the contracts for the schools there with Korea - the money is not much better (and costs are hugher) but everything else seems to be streets ahead.


Skarp

[sadsac]

Show them a contract that suits your requirements and if they are unhappy with that, then move on. Though they don't mean much to a director, they do carry a certain sway with the MOL these days.

[Skarp]

How about a standard - simple contract drawn up by a lawyer that we could all use as a starting point for negotiation.

Money and so forth could be left blank for us to fill in but issues about what work is required, etc would be of great benefit.

I hesitate to write one myself because drafting a contract would be tricky, and a reliable translation into Korean would also be useful.

Anybody have the reseources to do this? EFL law had one I think - is it any good?


Just a thought.


Skarp

[Homer]

You can always negociate. You just have to know how to approach the director of your school.

It also depends on the context (prior to begining, during contract or second contract (renewal)).

If you go in with the Kristsoy attitude you will probably end up getting nothing but having aggravated your boss.

Of course to negociate a contract you need leverage and a valid point.

For example, if you want more pay then you need to show your boss that you deserve it. This means bringing facts and not just the ole 'I am just worth more' salad.

If you want to change work responsabilities, you also need a good reason.
Why should you not be asked to do this? Again, bring facts that support your claim.

In short you need credibility to your claims or like any boss in the universe he will turn you down flat.

Its just basic common sense.