Korean Job Discussion Forums

[okelleyas]

My payday was yesterday. However, my director (through a co-teacher) said that she promises to pay me next week. I'm not the only teacher she has paid late. One Korean teacher was supposed to be paid on the 3rd of November, but wasn't paid until two days ago. How should I tactfully go about expressing to my director (she doesn't speak English) that this late payment is not okay?

[SteveSteve]

It might be a good idea to keep a written record of these problems, in case you have to report your employer to the Labor Board. If you have an accurate account of late payments/failure to register for pension/etc, then you will have a stronger case and more likely to "get yours" when it's time to contact the authorities.

About bringing it up at work, that's another issue. I think most Koreans get upset when teachers argue about money issues because teaching is supposed to be an "honorable" position in life. Of course, most jobs in Korea are anything but honorable, but they still hold that unreasonable standard to us. Of course, I'm not siding with your boss. Late payment is obviously a HUGE issue and it should be addressed as soon as possible.

Remember to stay calm and to the point. Your boss may lie and say something like "It's impossible to pay you now" in order to save face for being an incopetent business owner. Follow up on it frequently and remind them that it's unfair for you to satisfy your job expectations when they cannot.

[OculisOrbis]

The labor board wont accept a claim for unpaid wages until at least two weeks has past.