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A construction company, Yick On Engineering Development Limited, was fined $50,000 at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (February 28) for wage offences under the Employment Ordinance. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.
The employer failed to pay wages to four employees within seven days of the expiry of the wage period and the termination of employment as required by the ordinance. In addition to paying the fines, the employer was ordered to clear the outstanding wages via court.
According to Section 23 and 25 of the Employment Ordinance, wages due upon expiry of the last day of the wage period or upon termination of employment shall be paid as soon as practicable, but not later than seven days.
Any employer who fails to do so wilfully and without reasonable excuse is liable to a maximum fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years.
Employees who are owed wages should immediately report to the Labour Department's complaint hotline on 2815 2200.
Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:43
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