Korean Job Discussion Forums

[amyjane]

We came to Korea and after serching for three weeks found a good school. We shadowed the previous Canadian teachers to get an idea of the workload and what was expected of us. The work load was good. We did the Japan visa run.

After our third week of work the Director informed us that he was transferring management of the school (selling the school) to a new Director and that we would have to resign a new contract that was exactly the sam as the old one but with the new directors name and signature. We were informed by the new and old director that there would be no changes to our work hours or any other contract details.

Five weeks later, the school name has changed and the school has become part of a famous franchise. We are now being told that we have to do huge amounts of preparation, arrive at school earlier, up to nine hours in school a day, compulsory weekend work unpaid, phone teaching unpaid. Basically everything has changed work has increased and it has turned into our worse nightmare of a school.

After we complained aabout the new demands on us, we said we wanted a new contract under the new school name and we wanted to inform immigration of the change (so we legal) We were presented with a ridicualous contract that gave all power to the employer, little security to us, discretionary severance pay etc etc, it is the worse contract we have ever seen. We will not sign this contract but we want advice on whether on not we are woking legalluy or not for this new franchise, where we stand as far as finding a new job in Korea, do we need to get a letter of release from the old director, whether we should try and negotiate the contract. We are confused. We love our apartment and feel settled here, we like the kids and have made friends with the Korean teachers. Any advice would be appreciated!

[captain kirk]

The new manager sounds awful because he/or she is asking for too much. Paying if you don't show up for work 20,000 won. Never heard of that.
And severence pay as at the discretion of the boss. Well, that's normal, isn't it. Just putting it in pompous, prickish, bad boss officespeak.

The old boss refusing to sign a letter of release because it would make the school look bad. Bad boss behind, bad boss ahead.

Here comes the barracuda, super-effecient new boss and boot camp shake-up, my way or the highway streamlining.

I'd be 'professional' here and avoid being shrill. Get it together about what's fair to you and put that forward. It sounds like your boss is one of those tough Korean bosses. Isn't there a manager/mediator? Like a supervisior?

A middleman relay to take the edge off?

The bigboss is bargaining hard but he must know that he can't piss you off too much or he'll have to pay to have you replaced. You are popular teachers with a lot of work/students. You're four months in on 12 months. Fresh.

[plato's republic]

Whatever you do, DO NOT SIGN THAT CONTRACT! It will be the final nail in the coffin. Let's face it, if you both quit, the new director is going to have a hell of a time filling your places as well as the places of the Korean teachers who have already/are about to quit. He needs you both more than you need him. Tell him you'll both quit if he doesn't change the contract. Demand a letter of release. Actually it might be a good idea to get a Korean friend of yours to contact immigration on your behalf and explain what's happening. If you get into any bother, immigration will already know about your situation and the director will have less chance to screw you over by lying about you both. Plus the fact that he claims severance pay is "discretionary" is a complete joke. Tell him it's mandatory! according to Korean Labour Law. The guy sounds like he wants to milk you both for all your worth, so don't let him. Stand tall and don't back down. Good luck!
Keep us informed of your situation. Perhaps revealing the name of your institute/director might be useful for future teachers.

[amyjane]

Thanks. We have written down exactly what we want to say but now we're not even sure if we are legal, we have a contract under the new director but for a school that no longer exists! Will we be negotiating a contract that is void. It all started out so well!!!

[dulouz]

Yea, I'd get out of there. Don't sign the contract. If you have cash, leave and get your own place. Talk to Immy investigations on the second floor, tell them everything. File a complaint with the Labor Board. You have a really bad story.

Think about running. When push comes to shove, Koreas are .... bad news. Talk about this the rest of your life to everyone you meet. Vote anti immigrant because not doing means you will never be free of this treatment. Be thankful you have a Korean free place to go.

You don't have a contract becuase the school doesn't exist. I'm very certain you are free to leave.

[amyjane]

Thanks for the advice everyone. It helps to know your not just being 'un-co-operative' and fellow teachers understand the predicament. We've said our piece to the Director and he's told us he needs a week to think about it!