Hello all

I've been working at my first hagwon since December and we had to shut down these past two weeks because of the you-know-what. To my dismay, when I got paid today, I wasn't given anything for the two weeks I was forced to sit out of work. I haven't sat down and talked with my director yet, so I want to hear it from other people while I wait.

Is this even fair? Sure, I get not being paid for days I didn't work but I have no control over if some kid gets the virus. Who's to say it won't happen again soon? Not to mention all my other co-workers got to work at the academy, working with kids online during the two weeks I had to sit out. I have bills to pay back home, and losing half my paycheck really hurts. What if it happens consecutively? Am I just screwed out of a paycheck due to bad luck? (I know that a lot of people lost their job recently, but this academy literally just expanded. They are certainly not strapped for cash.)

Has anyone else faced something similar? Any advice on the situation?

No classes means no revenue for your employer.

Again, the other teachers continued teaching online... All except for me.

The Employee shall be paid 2.1 million won per month on the 10th of the following month. The
first salary shall be paid according to the workdays the Employee worked. The last utility fee
shall be deducted from the last salary.

The Employer shall pay the salary, as stated in this contract, and in case the Employee
requests teaching materials, the Employer shall support these with utmost efforts.

  There's nothing that says I shouldn't be paid if the school suddenly shuts down. And it says the first salary is paid according to workdays.

Whether it's in the contract or not, it's still unfair if you ask me. Again, I found out all the other teachers got to continue working while I had to stay home.

You may need to contact labor arbitration.

If it does come down to it, how would one contact them?

https://www.korea4expats.com/article-employer-disputes-%20workplace-conflicts.html


Also Seoul global center can help most likely.

Much thanks. I'll post again once I've spoken to my director.

How attached are you to this school?  If they are unable (or unwilling) to meet the obligations of the contract then they would have to release you with a letter of release.  I'm sure the labour board would make that clear to them.  Unless you have some effed up contract they can't just arbitrarily decide to send you home and not pay you at their whim.  You're in country with a transferrable visa so you should be able to switch to a job that needs a full-time instructor fairly easily. 

Just finished talking with the director.

Supposedly, the entire faculty took reduced pay the past two weeks. I, and the bus drivers they employ, did not work while the other teachers came in to teach online while still receiving nothing...

In other words, everyone else got the short end of the stick except for me? This seems a little too good to be true, but I won't complain if it was fair across the board in terms of pay. I suppose... Case closed?

Are you saying that the other teachers were teaching online, and they did it without any compensation? That is BS! Why would they do that?
The director just tried to make you feel better.

I talked to another co-worker (one newer than me, mind you) and she told me they were working at a reduced pay rate. So it's not entirely unbelievable. (Assuming that there wasn't a translation issue). I'd understand if they came in and worked for a little less than nothing at all.

That happened when I was working in the States on a non-contract tutoring job. Once COVID hit, me and all the others in my position were able to continue work online, but at a reduced hourly wage. I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

I suppose I have another question.

I contacted someone through the recommended website using a 1350 number but the person on the other line basically told me they couldn't help me and I should file a complaint. I'm a bit nervous to do so because I don't know if that'll lead to my co-workers immediately becoming aware that I did so, or if they'll contact me before getting them involved.

Anyone done this before?

I'd demand full pay.  If I were contracted to work, their money issues aren't my problem.  Sounds like after past months of making money and hakwon owners make a lot (without giving a pay raise in years), they can afford to pay you out of past profits.  They're just being dicks.  It's not your fault it has to shut down.  I'd demand the full money and complain with the labor board.  What's the worse that's going to happen, he try to fire you?  Honestly, if I lost my job or got non renewed, I'd be gone to China for more money anyways.  It's only my 3 million won salary that keeps me here for now.  If I were low 2's, I'd already be gone.  Not worth it.  On top of low pay, the boss tries to nickle and dime you like this, I'd probably just quit anyways.  Screw him!