Mother of Part-time Worker Seeking Advice Gains Attention
"Full Compensation Is Excessive... Try Talking with the Restaurant Owner Too"
As global luxury brands achieved record sales in South Korea last year, a story has been heating up online communities about a restaurant part-time worker who was asked to pay full compensation of 7 million won for allegedly contaminating a customer's luxury bag.
The part-time worker's mother expressed her frustration, saying, "I don't want to criticize the compensation demand itself, but I don't think full compensation is appropriate."
On the 29th, Ms. A, who introduced herself as the mother of a part-time worker, shared her story along with a photo of a contaminated luxury bag on an online community. [Photo source=Online Community]
On the 29th, Ms. A, who identified herself as the mother of the part-time worker, shared her story along with a photo of the stained luxury bag on an online community.
Ms. A said, "I am the mother of a 20-year-old college freshman. My son started a part-time job at a chain restaurant during his vacation to earn some pocket money, but before he even received his first paycheck, he was asked to pay 7 million won in compensation."
She explained, "While my son was wiping tables, some liquid on the table splashed onto a customer's bag at a neighboring table. He apologized, wiped the liquid off, and gave his contact information thinking about compensating for the cleaning cost. However, the next day, the customer's boyfriend contacted us demanding full compensation of 7 million won." The stained bag was a product from a well-known overseas brand commonly referred to as a 'luxury' item.
Mr. A said, "I understand feeling upset every time I see the stain on my cherished bag, so I don't want to criticize the demand for compensation itself," adding, "However, I don't think full compensation is appropriate, so I am seeking your wisdom." [Photo by Online Community]
Ms. A added, "I understand the upset feelings caused by stains on a cherished bag, so I don't want to criticize the compensation demand itself. However, I feel full compensation is not appropriate, so I am seeking your wisdom." She asked for advice on the appropriate scope of compensation and how to respond.
Netizens commented, "Demanding full compensation is excessive," and "Since the incident happened during work, the restaurant owner is responsible for compensation, so discuss it with the owner." Ms. A added that she is currently talking with the restaurant owner about the possibility of insurance coverage.
Meanwhile, in the case of Ms. A's son, using personal liability insurance could be considered. Personal liability insurance compensates for damages arising from legal liability when the insured (perpetrator) causes bodily injury or property damage to others (victims).
Typically, self-employed individuals subscribe to various personal liability insurances, including food liability insurance, to prepare for possible accidents in the store involving facilities or food. In particular, in cases like this, if bodily injury or legal liability arises while selling food to others within the insured area specified in the liability insurance, relief can be provided under food liability insurance or similar policies.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
