Korean Job Discussion Forums

[canukteacher]

I went to the Labour Board today with an interpreter. I had all the doumentation prepared, including an explanation of the events, etc. etc.
Bank book copy, pay stub, contracts, etc. etc. I had been told by at least 3 different government departments that the labour board would talk to me, and then decide is they should call a hearing with the employer. THIS IS NOT WHAT HAPPENS.

All they wanted was the single page form, which includes your name, address, telephone number, employer info., and what your complaint is
(non-payment of wages, severence, whatever). They refuse all other documents and will not talk to you. They say..........WE CALL YOU 10 DAYS WITH TIME TO SEE US. Now I don't speak Korean today, so the likelihood that I will in ten days are next to nil. It took a lot of persuading on the part of the interpreter to get them to agree to call her with the information, and she would pass it on to me. They finally said yes, but were not happy about it.

Please note: I am not posting this to be flamed or for advice, I simply want to warn others what to expect. Also, all labour offices might not be the same. This was the Gwadank (sp) office, on line 2 station 232.



CT

[Real Reality]

If you want to and have the time, would you write to your government representative? What do you think about letting them know about your experience in Korea?

Canadian Representatives Abroad

Email Address:
[email protected]

Street Address:
The Canadian Embassy
9th and 10th Floors, Kolon Building
45 Mukyo-dong, Jung-Ku
Seoul 100-170,Korea

Postal Address:
The Canadian Embassy
P.O. Box 6299,Seoul 100-662,Korea
Telephone General: (011 82 2) 3455 6000
Web Page: http://www.korea.gc.ca

Ambassador: Mr. Denis Comeau
Minister-Counsellor (Commercial): Mr. D. Mcmullen
Counsellor: Mr. G. Sheppy

Foreigners Experience Difficulties in Living in Korea
Overall living conditions, including education, housing, medical care, transportation, immigration, and access to the Internet are pointed to as inconveniences.... An official in the International Cooperation Division of Seoul City admitted, "The same complaints regarding visas, transportation, education, and environment are raised every year without being solved, due to the lack of cooperation from government agencies involved and their passive attitudes."
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2004070522448

[canukteacher]

Done!

[Squid]

I might suggest having read my posts "The official route to getting money your ex-boss owes you" (1&2) could have prepared you for what to expect.

Yes, the first time all they want is your claim, but the meeting will be scheduled by them very soon and that's when you'll need your other details.

Don't get frustrated with them, they know the routine and will take you through it.

My experience is a bit further down the track than yours seems to be at this point, but don't let it depress you... PM me if you'd like some further insights.