Korean Job Discussion Forums

J.C. · Joined: 24 Aug 2005

Our Hogwon has been openly hostile towards teachers lately but this latest act is over the top.

We were given an "Addendum" that changes the rules of the game. The contract was given on a Friday Night. Teachers were told that the contract must be signed and in the hands of the management by Monday Morning or they will loose their job, which by the way, is also conveniently stated in the contract for those who think I actually make this cr*p up (last section- "Disagreement").

We are not sure what to make of the contract. It seems to contain a lot of crafty wording that changes the rules of the game. Moreover, we are not sure how to deal with this level of intimidation and the contract gives the management new powers that are frightening.

A few Q's arise:

1. Is this something worthy fighting for? Is it better to go along and leave at the end of your contract?
2. Intimidation aside, how bad is the contract?
3. Is there a "passive" way out of the contract? Some teachers are signing with their left hand.
4. Has anybody else experienced this kind of intimidation at a hogwon?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/Rblaire/law_issues/page_one.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/Rblaire/law_issues/page_two.jpg

denverdeath · Joined: 21 May 2005 Location: Boo-sahn

PAGODA is still causing problems and trying to change contracts midway, huh? Page 2 says March 31st on it. Why are they forcing you to sign it now? When did you start and how much time is left in your contract? I know some people who signed it without question. I know some people who were pissed, but signed it anyway. I know some who were near the end of their contracts and weren't forced to sign as they had decided to move on. I'm wondering why this is still an issue. Hasn't wonderful Miss Yoon got control of all you fellows yet? I still think that they tried to implement that policy to get a lot of the more experienced teachers to quit, even if they were at the point that they no longer qualified for raises. They wanted to piss them off with their pitiful control tactics. I guesss, in a way, it worked a little as they lost a lot of good teachers but are probably saving a few dollars. Their loss.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

I love the clause that says you must pay for students who quit because of you. I would burn this contract in one of the school trash cans. Name tags? Okay, great.

Best of luck.

Q~

denverdeath · Joined: 21 May 2005 Location: Boo-sahn

Why don't you bring the same issue up over at EFL law and see what the people there have to say? I'd be really interested in the response. Wonder how many of your teachers will be getting threats of legal action in the near future too.

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Yeah, teacher must reimburse enrollment fees withdrawn by students who quit class because of teacher's poor performance. Yikes.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

Why don't you just let them fire you?

If they fire you, have them give you a letter in writing of why they are firing you, and make sure they give you a release letter with that first letter.

Then just go get a better job. The pay for that job sucks. The conditions...man I'd laugh in the bosses face.

Best choice: get all the foreign teachers on one side: WE WONT SIGN. Are they going to fire all of you? if so go korean style and sit on the sidewalk outside the hawgwon with protest signs, headbands, armbands and chanting with a speaker.

I can never understand, is life so bad that people have to let these hawgwons bend them over and give it to them raw?

Homer · Guest

This is pure crap.

Go to the Labour board or to EFL law.

Or, quit the place and ask for a letter of release.

Billy Pilgrim · Joined: 08 Sep 2004

I would never sign that contract in a million years. Paying for students who drop out??? Goddamn ridiculous.

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

No one can use you or screw you over unless you let them...and you are letting them.
Are you or anyone elso who teaches at hakwons really that desperate for work? Yes...I've heard the stories...travel...living in a foreign country....decent wages compared to back home...etc...still....far better places to teach ESL when compared to dealing with koreans!
I mean come on.....look at how many hakwon teachers get burnt all the time....you guys must be into S&M!

fidel · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Location: North Shore NZ

This contract has to be a joke right? Who in their right mind would even consider signing such a contract! There is no point mentioning specifics becuase the whole thing is WRONG, plus you are getting paid a pittance!

inkoreaforgood · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Location: Inchon

That part about paying back money for students quitting, but ONLY after investigation, guareenteed that every student who quits does so because of the teacher. They will pinch every grubby 10 won coin out of you that they can. Then there is the threat of nonrenewal and harassment if you don't teach Saturdays. Evil or Very Mad

Go to elf-law and ask what your legal stance is. No way do you want to sign this contract addendum, and they have no legal right to fire you. These tactics are unethical, and the labor board will see it that way. Can't force a person to sign a contract, it's called duress. Good luck and get your butt to efl-law and restate this whole thing there.

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

I'm not a teacher, but I'm a veteran of sorts in the area of contract skulduggery by K-employers. I've seen really underhanded excrement attempted and I could tell you some stories... But this isn't the time or place.

I think Fidel and Homer's posts best sum up my own reaction to the OP's contract. Though I did take time out from being appalled at that contract to giggle at this bit:

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

How many foreign teachers work with you? I doubt anything would come of it you were half a dozen refusing to sign...but, then again, the boss can easily find a way to get rid of you one by one as he finds teachers to replace you. You'd better call the people at EFL-law.

joe_doufu · Joined: 09 May 2005 Location: Elsewhere

1. They can't claim that you are agreeing to terminate the contract by not signing. If you haven't signed, you haven't agreed to anything.

2. If you don't sign, and they DO fire you, you're FREE! Which is a rare thing in Korea. And you can find a better job within a few days, so why worry? You might even get some extra compensation if you take the first school to court.

3. Don't sign.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

That is just utter crap, especially the part about having to refund the money for students who drop. Do not sign this. If they fire you they have to release you from your contract, and then you can get a less worse job.