Korean Job Discussion Forums

[oldfatfarang]

I ws recently 'offered' a contract to work at an 'intensive' summer vacation camp run by a DOE district. I used 'offered' loosely - in fact, many teachers have been coersed into doing this camp.

The camp contract had several major points of contention.

First, there are no sick leave provisions (paid or not). We were told that we'd be covered by the medical insurance we pay in existing PUBLIC contracts. But can an existing contract be used when you sign another contract with a district office under the umbrella of your existing employer???????

Second, If a teacher resigns during the camp, they are not paid for ANY work or attendance. The contract was full of provisions about written and verbal warnings - terminations etc.

Third, we are to attend 24 hours a day - 7 days a week - for 3 weeks. Teachers aren't allowed to leave the camp at weekends.

There is not scheduled 'alone' time. You have to share a room with your Western co-teacher.

Fourth, net pay is very low - 72,000 a 24 hour day (for 19 straight days). All payment is taxable. This works out at about 3,000 won an hour (on top of regular salary). But regular salary is paid if you just sit on your butt at school and don't work camp.

Fifth, we are promised an extra 5 days paid annual leave for working the camp. But working camp we lose 4 days (2 weekends). In my opinion we are therefore only getting 1 days extra leave.

Sixth, there are no hours stipulated in the contract. It just stipulates TIME, e.g., the period of employment shall be (start date ) to (finish date). Theoretically, we can be made to teach all day and at night - and will be fired for not doing so. The current schedule is determined on ALL slots being filled by teachers - and ALL teachers attending (and staying) at the camp (not likely).

I'd appreciate any advice on this type of contract. I have no experience with camps. It sounds like we are being abused here because we don't have the ability to say no when our employer (DOE) says it's mandatory.

[lowpo]

[ttompatz]

[oldfatfarang]

Just checked my contract. It says I must do 'conversation classes at summer and winter camps'. And the all inclusive nasty: 'other duties as directed by the .......'.


Jeez, when I came to Korea to teach English I never dreamed I'd be using my university education, work and business experience, and language teaching qualifications to tell bedtime stories to middle schoolers (part of camp duties).
What are these clowns thinking? No wonder experienced teachers don't re-sign.

[yingwenlaoshi]

Sounds like hell. They have to pay you hourly for the classes and can't expect you to be available 24 hours/day. There has to be a set schedule within a certain time frame. Shared accomodations isn't acceptable. Not being able to go anywhere is the same as prison.

Tell them to fk off.

[The_Conservative]

[The_Conservative]

[ttompatz]

[spliff]

1.Employee shall work eight (eight) hours per day including lunch hour for five (5) calendar days per week from Monday to Friday and shall not work on Saturdays, Sundays and Korean national holidays.
2. The Work Hours of Employee shall follow the normal work schedule of civil servants of the Korean Government; however, such Work Hours may be adjusted by school principal as he/she deems appropriate as necessary.

I don't know how you'd get around this, though.

[kat2]

Is your visa tied to your school or to your Educational District Office? If its tied to your school, its illegal for you to work anywhere but your school. If its sponsored by the Education Office, thats goign to be hard to get out of.

[JJJ]

Did that for winter, same thing except 5 guys in a cabin freezing our buns off. I'll never do it again. I learned my lesson.
Good luck. Hope they have A/C for you. I've heard a few stories where they didn't.

[duns0014]

My contract says I don't have to work more than 20 hours/week during summer/winter vacation.

[oldfatfarang]

I'm in trouble here. I arranged vacation flights (paid for weeks ago) on the basis of getting another 5 days vacation for doing the camp. I can't lose those days now without severly inconviencing myself and my family.


Surprise, the camp administrators didn't give us any info about the camp until last friday (2 weeks before camp starts).

So the best I can do is ask for non-shared accommodation. They'll get my written request tomorrow.

[yingwenlaoshi]

National holidays is double time. Or double time and a half. At least as far as I'm concerned. Screw that.

[Horangi Munshin]