Korean Job Discussion Forums

[maddog]

Hello,

I know this is perhaps a stupid Q, but I would at least like someone to confirm my suspicions.

I am leaving on Feb 10th. My last day of work is Feb9th. I told my boss yesterday that my flight had been booked.

Today, the finance manager says "A lot of mothers wont pay until the first week in Feb, so we can only pay you half your salary at the end of Jan, and everything we owe you on Feb 9th".

My first question: "Is this happening to the other (two) teachers".

He said: "No, it's complicated".

This has never happened before.

I told him that there was no way I was going to accept this. I told him to his face that I was extremely suspicious of the timing.

So, am right to be EXTREMELY suspicious. I mean, if he turns round on the 9th and says "sorry, we don't have the money", then I am truly f####d, right?!?!

I told him that if my salary was light on Jan 31st that I would go straight to the labor board.

Did I do the right thing.

MD

[JeJuJitsu]

[ChuckECheese]

Is that including your severance pay as well? If so, I smell BS.

And you did the right thing. What you need to do is be persistant in nagging your boss about getting piad on 1/31/07. Make sure you let other teachers know what's going on and try to get them in on this issue.

If I were there, I'd be right along side you raising hell.

[maddog]

No severance as I am leaving early. Perhaps that's why they're trying to screw me. I've done over six months so I owe them nowt.

[kermo]

I don't think the nagging is the right choice-- there's nothing stopping him from lying until the last day.

Unfortunately, if you're worried that you'll have to stick around to get the rest of your pay, you're going to have to get yourself some leverage. I personally think he's worried that you'll take the money and run, but when you act in bad faith, you're likely to get the same in return.
I recommend one of the following:

-Find a compromise. Tell him that the 9th is too late for you, just in case there's anything that needs ironing out. Ask him for the money on the 5th at the latest (some of the alleged moms must have paid by then). That way, if the money doesn't appear, you can stage a sit-in in the lobby of your school until the money is in your hand.

or

-Confront his fears. Show him your plane ticket, invite him to check whether your belongings are already moved out by the 31st (as they would be if you were doing a runner.) Reassure him that he'll still have a teacher right up until the end of your contract, and remind him that when one party starts messing around with the agreement, that only encourages others to do the same.

[ChuckECheese]

[Missile Command Kid]

On the day you should be paid your full paycheque, bring a book, sit in the lobby, and loudly say to anybody who asks that you're waiting for your paycheque before you start work for the day.

[JeJuJitsu]

Best served cold?

If you do get screwed, when you get back home, send your Director a bag of weed though the mail. Chances are he'll be arrested and jailed.

*** not my idea, some brilliant poster thought of this, and am just repeating:)***

[maddog]

It just occured to me that they need the money to pay the airfare of my replacement - f@#$ing bar-stewards!!

[spliff]

Don't know why this *beep* keeps happening to teachers here in K-land. First, I doupt there's a Hagwan owner in the entire country that would try that w/ me. You have to stand up for your rights and don't take any mumbo-jumbo Hagwan owner talk. It's gotta go down exactly how the contract reads....period! Second, you gotta talk the talk and walk the walk, and NEVER balk...even if comes to the throw. That's top advice, mate...live by it!

[maddog]

IF my salary is light on payday (they now say they'll pay me 1.5M), and the other two teachers are paid in full, should I contact the labor board immediately? I'm sure if I explained the situation and the timing, they'd share my suspicions.

How quickly do they get involved? Bear in mind that at this stage I'll have just 10 days left in Korea.

If I stand my ground on January's salary, will they simply take it out of February's (they're trying to short-change me by about 650K; Feb's salary will be about 730K)?

MD

[VanIslander]

Hint, suggest, imply, even state in a roundabout way,... but by any means possible help them save face!

You didn't.

I think threats and forceful statements of intent are wise, but not directly!!

For all those thinking of such things, put in writing in a firm but formal way devoid of anger or attitude and deliver the letter with an apologetic smile and good attitude even if steady eye and clear air of seriousness.

This is Korea. You gotta figure out what works around here. And what doesn't!

[spliff]

Why would anyone submit a "nice" letter (w' a ass smooching smile ) to the person who is doing wrong? Does that make sense? A couple of well aimed, stiff cuffs up side his head might be something he'd better understand and deserve..IMHO

[Young FRANKenstein]

[maddog]

Firstly, I apologise if this seems to be dragging on.

Today, my boss said "At the end of Jan, we will pay you half your salary, with everything we owe you being paid on your last day. It's not an offer. It's a fact."

She insists that the school has a cashflow problem, but they have hired a new teacher!!!

Should I stand my ground? Should I insist on being paid on time? Should I go to the labor board if not paid on time? Will it make any difference with such a short time-frame? Should I pull my pants down and lube myself up?

It's 22 days between now and my last day - 22 days of wondering whether or not I'm gonna get shafted. I can't sleep for s@#t.

Should I put it in the lap of the gods and just enjoy my last three weeks?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

MD