Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Matt82]

Hi All,

I completed my contract with EPIK at the end of March and while I quickly received my pension, I have not gotten anything airfare or severance. I contacted my school and was told that 'they have not gotten' the budget for it yet...I recently read that some schools have only received 35% of their foreign teacher budget with the assertion that the rest 'is coming'

I contacted the regional director guy and was told that it is normal to wait several months. However I am not aware of anyone in EPIK/GEPIK who has waited this long...in addition getting into communication with my school is proving difficult.

Also, I think my school was in the public system, but a private school...so I am not sure if that has to do with anything.

I am trying to be patient and trustful and not make a big deal, but I am worrying that I will never see this money. Any insight/advice is appreciated.

[OculisOrbis]

You only have to wait 14 days from the end of your employment. All monies owed must be paid, under korean labor laws, within that time period. If you dont think they will pay or you dont like them dragging their feet, you can file a claim for unpaid wages with the labor board in korea after 14 dayseven if you are outside korea.

Two months? I would have filed six weeks ago.........

It would be extremely embarrassing for a public school principal to have a labor case opened against their school.

[Illysook]

This problem seems to be going around now, doesn't it? Who else is getting toyed with? How can we fight this more publicly? I've got a Korean friend who is an attorney with a top firm and she's been following up with my school, but if this is becoming a widespread problem with the public schools, we need to raise a STINK!

[walter235]

I have the same problem, I sent a message to the worthless ET rep in EPIK, she sent me back a message that there must be a mistake! They're having problems now, wait until the economy crashes and everyone leaves at one time! Not to mention they've raised taxes, etc...

Programs like EPIK are on the chopping block for 2012!

[oldtactics]

My severance took two months with Gangwon EPIK last year, and honestly I think I only got my money because I started emailing the coordinator and the head office three times a week until someone responded.

I recommend trying that. Forward the email to EPIK head office and see what they say.

[toxicblue]

I'm in a similar situation.. my school informed me that I will receive my severance pay on September 9th, when my last day of work is July 22nd. I also don't trust they'll pay me on this day as they have been late paying teachers who left recently.
Does anyone have a link to the actual law in Korean, English or both. I want some paperwork to show my boss.
Thanks.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[nathanrutledge]

[Ramen]