Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lisag]

Hey,
I'm looking for some advice regarding my situation.

I'm interesting in leaving my school but I'm not sure if I have enough reason enough in immigration's eyes to do so. This is my story.

I'm working at a Hagwon that currently isnt paying its teachers on time. I'm the only teacher who is getting paid the full amount on their stipulated payday. All the other teachers, there are 8, are getting paid small sums over periods of weeks, $100 here, $300 there. That sort of thing. Although it hasnt happened yet, I've been working at the school for three months, I'm scared it is going to happen to me next.

On top of that I dont think my school has registered me with a health plan which is a big deal for me because I'm diabetic and need to visit a doctor regularly. They tell me they have me registered in some sort of Samsung medical program and that any medical costs I have will be reimbursed by 50%, but after asking countless times, I have yet to see any type of proof of being registered with this insurance plan.

Another thing that is bothering me and I'm not sure if this is normal in Korea, my director seems to think its normal, is that my school doesnt have any heat. We only have small space heaters in the classrooms. Most of the time the teachers must teach in their winter jackets and hats to keep warm. Is this normal?

We also dont really have sufficient teaching materials. The books we are given to teach with are old student books that have already been filled in by previous students. And the school is really filthy as well. Perhaps this is normal, I dont know, I havent seen any other schools but my school never cleans its desks and floors, they are all black with dirt. The garbages overflow and I've seen a few cockroaches here and there. Normal? again, I dont know.

Is this reason enough to leave? I'm sure one day soon my paycheques will start to be delayed just like the other teachers. I just want to get out before it does.

What do you think? Is this enough reason to ask for a letter or release?

LG

[dulouz]

Wow, your job sucks. You have a bad work place. Get out ASAP. how much time do you have left?

[Grotto]

Read your contract carefully. If it states you will be paid on the 10'th of the month and they are late then you can apply for a letter of release stating that they broke the contract.

They are required by law to provide health care. That would be another violation.

If the school is as dirty as you say take some pictures...they speak louder than words.

good luck

[lisag]

I still have 8 months left at the school.

[the eye]

you, and all the other teachers experiencing pay problems should visit the labor board. the school has a certain grace period to pay a salary in full....i recall it being 10 days.
first, take some photos of the dirt, garbage and roaches. the labor board would be interested in that as well as it illustrates an unsanitary working place.
you should also take your contract to the labor board and any proof that the director is not paying on time, or in full.

the heater thing is normal, even in some good schools.

you need to start getting on this, and get as many other teachers involved as possible. the health card issue is also something you should be talking aboout with the labor board. if you are really worried about the coverage, you can get the insurance by yourself. just go to a National Health Insurance Commission (NHIC) Office with your alien registration card and you can enroll.
more info on NHIC, see http://www.efl-law.com/medical.html
or
http://www.efl-law.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=80&highlight=medical