Korean Job Discussion Forums

plattwaz · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Location: <Write something dumb here>

My boss just told me now, at lunch time, that she woudn't be paying me my final paycheck.

We made an agreement in mid-October that I would leave Dec 13th and return March 1st. I would essentially get 2.5 months off, and return for her next school year. This was not written, just verbal.

She has always been kind, generous, she has paid me VERY, VERY well and on time each month. In return I have RUN that hagwan pretty much by myself (only 2 foreign teachers) because she has no idea how to do it -- ie/ today she asked me if befoer I left she could see a copy of the schedule and a list of what textbooks the students used.....

My regular pay is on the 28th of each month. I was last paid Nov 28th for the month of November. Today I shoud be paid 55% of a paycheck, for the days from Nov 28th up to and including today.

I NEVER in a million years thought she would do this to me, but at lunch when I said to her "what time will my pay be ready?" she told me that she would pay me the half-month salary WHEN I RETURN IN MARCH. We argued a bit and I left for lunch.

Her reasoning is that SHE didn't break the contract, I did. I checked it and it says 60 days written notice to break the contract (I gave her 60 days verbal notice, writing it down was never an issue, but I have no proof other than a co-worker's word). Airfare was paid to me as 400,000 won upon starting, and 400,000 won upon finishing. I am not asking for any airfare, but I also think I shouldn't have to pay any back to her -- I have worked 8.5 months for her.

WHAT CAN I DO???????

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

So you have a verbal agreement to leave before the end of your contract and sign again in March? Sounds weird but plausible. I don't really blame her if she wants you back. Why not see about getting her to agree to deposit it in your account on the 28th, and you have the threat of not coming back if she doesn't. You're dealing with a sizeable but not life-changing amount of money, so I wouldn't go apesh*t.

bellum99 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: don't need to know

How much do you want to bet she will find another teacher before March and then not have to pay him because he didn't finish the contract?

plattwaz · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Location: <Write something dumb here>

Well, to some people it's not a sizeable amount of money, sure, but that depends on each individual person's situation - and in my case, especially considering the reason I am going home, 1.5 million won IS a lot of money.

The other thing is -- I WORKED these days! I'm not asking for pay for days I haven't worked....

Essentially we agreed to teminate the contract. Yes, we have an agreement I will return in March, which will be a seperate contract. THIS contract ends today, and shouldn't I be paid for the end of this contract?

My thought is - I worked these days, I should be paid for them. What if something happens and I CAN'T return to Korea? Yes, we have agreed I will be rehired in March, but at the same time, things happen. Why should she get to keep my paycheck - and not to mention the fact that should she NOT pay me now, there is NO WAY I will return to her in March!

Am I really over reacting?

marcus · Joined: 12 Sep 2005

At the very least get something in writing. It doesn't sound like you have any proof to back up any of this.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

If you weren't planning on coming back, I'd say take it out on the apartment. Human feces on the walls is not fun to clean...

thewhat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Seoul suburbs

I have a different situation but fear the same result.

The last day of my contract is in a couple of days. I fear they will not pay me or not pay my severance because its only been 364 days or some BS like we have no money. I asked to be payed one day early and they insist on paying me at the airport before I go.

The last guy who worked here left eary and got the same "at the airport" story. They did not pay him , said he owed for airfare etc., and he chose to leave.

Who can I call about the severance in Pyeongtaek city outside of suwon if this happens?

Im dealing with an ewha franchise. AVOID IT

joe_doufu · Joined: 09 May 2005 Location: Elsewhere

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

BigBlackEquus · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 5:26 am Post subject:

bellum99 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: don't need to know

So what did you do? What did the boss say tonight?

thewhat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Seoul suburbs

Thanks for the advice Equis.

I didnt buy the plane ticket if there is one.
Me and the owners are not talking recently because I brought up the week of vacation I did not recieve, in effort to get paid one ar two days early, and they freaked. Now I get the silent treatment, I guess I offended some Korean "culturAL difference"

I dont even know the carrier, just that I will be gone "before the contract expires".

Do people feel I should make a stand before I leave for the airport at 8a.m., the day before or wait and see and hope for the best?
Confused

thewhat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Seoul suburbs

Thanks for the advice Equis.

I didnt buy the plane ticket if there is one.
Me and the owners are not talking recently because I brought up the week of vacation I did not recieve, in effort to get paid one ar two days early, and they freaked. Now I get the silent treatment, I guess I offended some Korean "culturAL difference"

I dont even know the carrier, just that I will be gone "before the contract expires".

Do people feel I should make a stand before I leave for the airport at 8a.m., the day before or wait and see and hope for the best?
Confused

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

I feel no sympathy for the original poster. Basically, the hagwon has the right to take action because the OP is essentially breaking his contract.

Face it, if you were to stay in the first place, you more than likely would get paid next month. There are other costs such as airfare, etc. that are involved when breaking your contract, hence the nonpayment. By forfeiture of your contract, your severance is in jeopardy.

Any serious need to return home? You might not have a job as you will probably be replaced.