Korean Job Discussion Forums

[redd]

I'm sorry, I know this has been done to death but....

I'm the only Canuck at my school. There are two other foreign teachers - from Australia and New Zealand - and three Korean teachers. I just got my first pay and asked my boss about the pension. It clearly states my pension in my contract, but he said that he doesn't want to pay since it's better for me (crap, i know). If I'm the only teacher eligible for the pension and make a stink about it, would that screw over the other two guys? I don't want this issue to wreck my relationship with the director or my co-workers so early on in my year but I don't want to get screwed either. I'm paying off huge bills at home and do actually like getting the money now rather than later (every little bit helps with the interest).

I can't get to a computer very often, but any ideas would be great - thanks!!!

[Cheonmunka]

The following is just my own opinion.

Maybe something else you have not thought of: I think (but law may have changed) that schools with 5 or more full-time workers should ensure they contribute to pension but workplaces smaller than that do not have to do it....so I wonder, does your school actually have 5 teachers, by the book, that is. Maybe some Korean teachers are not registered full-time and work under the table and stuff. (God, maybe even a foreigner worker, too)

Also, you know employer contributes 4.5% or something as well as the employee. Do Canadians receive that part of the fund as well, or just their own contributions? You know, at the end will you receive only what you had put in, or will you get a return that includes your payments plus the schools payments?

With regards to your ethical decision think about whether or not you receive just what you would put in to pension, or whether you get yours plus employer contributions. It's a lot of money to be letting go of, if that's the case. But then you may have to weigh up the negatives for other employees, yes. Also, it may be -ve with regards to your boss, too, I think. I can imagine any employer doesn't want to contribute, eh. It's a pretty big tax. Maybe not good for relations demanding it... just my opinion.....it would be a bit freaky making a request that will cost the boss possibly millions of won over the year.

You could just continue to make your polite enquiries about it, expressing your interest....

But, before you come out fighting, please make sure your employer actually has to do it by law... no good being the 'bad smell' when you don't have to be, demanding something that the employer doesn't have to do.

My contract also says I am eligible for pension payments but as yet the school and Govt. have not arranged these. But it is warned (through the contract) that it may happen. I certainly don't want it to happen. But "dem's da breaks," if it does... In the odd event that I actually make it to 60 I won't have regrets.

[redd]

thanks, I was kind of wondering if he could claim the school's too small with only 6 teachers and only 4 of them eligible to get the money back. As far as I'm aware of, I get back both mine and my boss's contributions which could add up to about $2000CDN by the end of a year. I'll keep trying "nicely" and see what happens.

[Grotto]

at the end of the contract you get everything that was contributed both yours and your employers.

The number of employees is now irrelevant everyone is entitled to it.

You could always make a side deal with your boss. If you go to the pension office he will have to dish out for all three empoyees, if he agrees to pay you the contribution for yours then he will only have to pay one.

Worth a try.

[Randall Flagg]

By any means necessary, get your pension money. Its too much to let go.

[redd]

thanks guys. I just talked to my boss this morning and gave him the scenario that Grotto suggested. He's going to look into it and let me know. I think the fact that I knew what i was talking about surprised him a bit. Wish me luck....