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| An empty classroom / gettyimagesbank |
By Ellie Goodwin
Returning to work has been an unwanted challenge for those coping with the trauma of the Itaewon tragedy.
Heavy workloads, unsustainably long hours and short annual vacation leave are major drawbacks of many jobs in Korea, as is the almost non-existent paid sick leave. For those with longstanding medical conditions and mental health issues, the limited sick leave presents a huge obstacle. It is a position that many eyewitnesses of the Itaewon crowd crush are now finding themselves in.
"I've been told that I have to go to work because the miniscule sick leave I have has already been used up. If I say that I can't come in, then I forfeit my job," said an American expat at a memorial service in Gwangju on Sunday.
Authoritarian and economic pressures including the threat of dismissal coerce employees into returning to work, even if they may not be in the right emotional state to do so and to the detriment of both themselves and their employers.
Though the option to take unpaid leave is available in many workplaces, doing so is not a feasible option for those who do not have the financial means. A South African citizen who was present during the Itaewon tragedy told The Korea Times, "It left me with a physical injury, and I was still expected to work on the Monday. If I took the day off it would come out of my salary. I can afford one day, but not weeks."
An Irish national surnamed Grantish, who was caught in the crowd on the way to meet friends, added, "I'm struggling and my workplace has been accommodating, but these accommodations are finite. I'm expected to be fine after a week. My seniors remind me that my workplace is a business and they can't have employees taking extended leave,"
Grantish said that this automatic, "it's a business" response does not justify employee mistreatment, and that plenty of businesses are still able to turn a healthy profit while respecting the wellbeing and health of their employees.
"It's a lazy argument said by people who can't be bothered to try and help or make a change," said an American who wished to be identified only by the initials of J.S., before adding that they had lost consciousness in the crowd and have since been suffering from bouts of panic attacks. "People say that it's just the way things are here ― and this attitude infuriates me. When I tell my friends back home that I've had to return to work (immediately), they are genuinely appalled."
This approach of resigned acceptance rather than advocating for change means that the issue is likely to remain unaddressed, continually impacting many. How much influence employees have in such changes or if they are entirely in the hands of the employer is also a cause of debate, as was the case with past labor reforms in North America and western and northern Europe.
Fortunately, there are some employers who now have a stronger sense of their moral obligations, setting a different precedent and generating hope that more will follow suit. "I have so much respect for one of my seniors. He constantly champions our rights, our physical and mental wellbeing and helps us to focus on ourselves and ignore the external pressures. Since Itaewon he's gone out of his way to check in on us. I'm indebted to him," said a British eyewitness to the tragedy who is currently working in Korea as a teacher.
It should not be forgotten that, for many, working in Korea comes with an abundance of other opportunities, both personally and professionally. The fair implementation of worker rights is a global issue, with issues prevalent in many societies including the gender pay gap, discrimination and wages that do not reflect high living costs. In Korea, among these problems, it is also the abysmal sick leave policies that need addressing.
All interviewees spoke on the condition of anonymity voicing concerns that their employment may be terminated and visas revoked if their identities are explicitly stated.
Ellie Goodwin is a teacher who has taught in schools across China, and is currently teaching in Gwangju. She also writes for Gwangju News.
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