Korean Job Discussion Forums

[alphalfa]

I had agreed to re-sign with my employer a few weeks back , THEN there was yesterday! Yesterday was the last day of my 'old' contract and (1) I did not receive my severence payment, (2) the school did not tell me prior to yesterday I wasn't going to receive it on my last working contract day (the contract clearly states it) and(3) they did not inform me when I will receive it. Not a peep from my supervisor yesterday who came
to me about some other 'pressing issues' - things like what names to put on the doors(eg Staff room, Native Teacher's Room).

I was just apparently told by my Korean co-worker that the school was aware of the fact that yesterday was my last day under the 'old' contract and they don't have the money right now. Something about waiting until the registration period is over (March 13th). So, I'm having to wait. I am due to receive my regular salary payment on March 17th so MAYBE I'll receive the severence at this time. An assumption on my part... I find it incredibly strange they can't issue me my severence(2.0+ mil) by Friday this week (EXCUSE, " ..don't have the money now") , but yet come up with over 4.0 mil won a week later on March 17th!! Strange accounting practices... JA JIN NA !!!

BTW I work for a private company who has a contract with a public school
(my place of employment) to offer an English after school program. IMO,
it's no different than a hagwan.

T.I.C.K.E.D (Teaching in Corrupt Korea EveryDay)

[Return Jones]

Let's hope it's just lack of planning which resulted in cash flow problems. Totally normal around these parts.

Please do us all a service and tell us the name of the company. Also, please keep us posted on what develops. I'm considering some similar jobs and want to know which ones to avoid. Thanks.

[Cheonmunka]

If it's that bad contact the labor department and they'll call your boss directly. You'd get it pretty soon.

[UncleAlex]

The Korea Labor Board would definitely support you by ordering your
employer to pay up. But if your employer can prove he is in financial
straits, then don't expect to get it back right away or in one lump sum.
Meanwhile, reconsider renewing a contract with a company that cannot
afford to pay you what is your due. There are many public school jobs
open now with school boards or individual schools. Check them out.

[Paji eh Wong]

I may be talking out of my ass, but isn't severance due when you're leaving your employer for good, and not at the end of contract?

What does your contract say?

[Mills]

[Grotto]

They should be going by the contract. Finish a contract get the severance. Finish a second contract get that severance too.

If you were working for an actual company (not a hogwan) I wouldnt worry....but the ESL field is full of underhanded dealings so I would suggest you get your severence when its due.

[Cheonmunka]

Yep, That's a clause I certainly request - Severence pay at end of contract, regardless of renewing. It's too much money to be stored away into the future. EG: There could be another IMF just at your fourth year mark with that school, your company files bankruptcy, kiss 'Goodbye' to 10 million won.
I've been through two major financial recessions, one here and one in my other country. The S^%$ really does hit the fan. Try and have your money in your pocket at recession time.

[bellum99]

True...if they don't pay the severance and they just keep they will "forget" it is yours. The owners have no morals at all and often just care about the money. They can pay you of course but like every business...you don't pay out cash until you have no choice. Business do this all over the world. I would push for the money..don't wait too long.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[jacl]

They just don't want to part with the money. They're being childish. Just think about it. If you drop dead before they pay you, are they going to make sure that your next of kind get your money? No.

[Qinella]

alphalfa, in addition to lying over while the hagwon owner steamrollers over you, you're also gonna re-sign? It's time to get heavy-handed, and insist on your money. Did you ever read the story by (I think) Joe Doufu about how he refused to go into work until the owner figured out a way to get his money? You need to stand up for yourself.

This reminds me of my friend who worked for a hagwon for 18 months, gave one month's notice, quit on March 1, and still hasn't gotten her severance pay. She said the boss mentioned something about it, but hasn't paid or said anything about it since then. Now she's playing the obsequious Korean female part by saying that it would be rude of her to mention it again to the ex-boss.

Why do people let themselves be taken advantage of? I don't get it.