Korean Job Discussion Forums

thedoorajar · Joined: 27 Jan 2012

Today, my SO received two written reprimands from his principal. They were for things he didn't do, and he refused to sign them. His principal said that it didn't matter whether he signed them or not, the reprimands still stand. His academy's policy is that a teacher gets two written reprimands, and then they could get fired.

I'm a little bit worried that his academy might be trying to fire him, as his contract is up in September and he has already told them that he has no intention of staying for another year.

My question is, is there anything that he could say or do just in case they do fire him within the next few days, weeks? Is there anything he could tell them before they fire him, and if they do fire him, what could he do after?

I don't know if I'm being paranoid, or if he just had a really bad day at work, but I figured I might as well ask, just in case.

Thanks, everyone!

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

30 days notice and there is nothing he can do.
Less than 30 days notice and he will have a valid claim at the labor office for an 11th month termination to avoid full payment of benefits due.

If that is indeed the case, then the tax man, NPS and NHIC should also be considered.

.

YTMND · Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Location: You're the man now dog!!

Suck up to the school owner for 2 weeks to avoid getting a 30 day notice, and then after that pack your stuff up and get ready to leave at a moment's notice. Don't leave though until you get a notice of termination and try to get it in August. After that, fight it.

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

Do get copies of those written reprimands. It sounds like the boss is being spiteful for the non renewal and possibly to save money get the paperwork ready for a "justified" firing.

Still the school does have to give notice. Unless he has done gross misconduct.

Your boyfriend may have to walk on egg shells a bit, still he should prepare for labour board and checking with tax, health, pension offices.

If you work with SO, where do you stand. Does the principal if in firing SO, maybe loose you too?

Good Luck, keep us apprised of the situation.

WadRUG'naDoo · Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Location: Shanghai

Shame that this kind of thing still goes on in Korea. It being so ubiquitous, strict government measures against it and more efficient actions to investigate such matters should be implemented to protect foreign teachers from such abuse.

luckylady · Joined: 30 Jan 2012 Location: u.s. of occupied territories

yeah, said it before, hell hath no fury like a hakwon when you don't renew the contract...

they are pissed they have to pay airfare for a new teacher and all the other hassles that come with finding one - plus pay severance and airfare for the outgoing T so it'd be less $$ just to get your SO out of there...

good luck.

thedoorajar · Joined: 27 Jan 2012

Thanks, everyone.

So far, nothing has happened yet. He's just lying low for now and trying not to get fired in the coming week. After that we have a vacation and when we return will be too late to give him a 30-day notice.

I don't work with him, but I do work in the same company. This whole thing (plus other things that have happened in his office) has been souring our experience in Seoul even more. And we're not even in love with the city to begin with.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

On the odd chance that the boss tries to fire him by email then pretend that you didn't get it and get a written letter in person (after you get back of course). If they try to put an old date on it, then go to the labor board and report them.