Foreign teacher fired after joining labor union in South Korea alleges retaliation

A foreign English teacher in South Korea describes a harsh experience after joining a labor union, alleging retaliation from their employer. The teacher, who spent four years in South Korea, notes the country's duality of warmth and oppressive systems, particularly within the hagwon (private academy) sector.

“

At first, I was full of hope when I signed my first contract with a hagwon in Ulsan in November 2023. But the strange things started right away. After more than a month, my employer hadn't contacted me at all, and then they informed me that there were no classes for me to teach.

Initially hired with hope, the teacher soon faced issues, including a month-long period with no assigned classes, effectively leaving them unemployed. When problems arose with a Korean co-teacher's unprofessional behavior, the director dismissed the concerns, deeming the co-teacher's actions appropriate. This experience, along with others, led the teacher and colleagues to seek information about labor rights.

Joining the Busan branch of the Korean Federation of Public Service and Transport Workers' Unions (KPTU) foreign language education division, they expected good-faith negotiations. Instead, the employer allegedly threatened "repercussions" upon learning of the unionization. The teacher claims they were pressured to forfeit rights and wages, and one director even threatened to cancel their visa. Ultimately, the teacher and colleagues were fired, which they believe was direct retaliation for union activity, despite the employer's claims of them being unqualified.

“

We joined the Busan branch of the Korean Federation of Public Service and Transport Workers' Unions (KPTU) foreign language education division last year. We were nervous, but we believed that the company would listen to our voices and engage in sincere dialogue. However, our expectations were completely overturned.

Months of unemployment followed, impacting job security, mental health, and their ability to work. The group has been holding weekly protests since December 18, finding solidarity with other workers and unions. Their initial appeal for reinstatement was rejected by the Ulsan Regional Labor Relations Commission, but they are pursuing a retrial at the National Labor Relations Commission and have filed a claim for unpaid wages with the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

“

As soon as the company found out that we had formed a union, they told us, 'You will pay the price.' We were pressured to give up the rights and wages we deserved.

Despite the stress and self-doubt, the teacher finds strength in solidarity, vowing to continue the fight for workers' rights. "We will never give up on workers' rights, and wherever your rights are violated, we will be there with you. You are not alone. Workers are one in the path to live as human beings. Struggle!"

“

We have had to remain unemployed for several months since then. What started as a desire for improved working conditions has now affected almost every area of my life: job security, mental health, and ultimately, the job itself.