********************************
An employer of a foreign domestic helper was fined $18,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (May 25) for underpaying wages to her foreign domestic helper. The prosecution was initiated by the Labour Department.
"Employers of foreign domestic helpers should not pay their helpers below the minimum allowable wage stipulated by the Government. Under the Employment Ordinance, the maximum fine for underpayment of wages is $350,000 and imprisonment for three years," a spokesman for the Labour Department said.
During the employment period of the foreign domestic helper, the employer failed to pay wages according to the minimum allowable wage of $3,400 as set out by the Government at the time of signing the employment contract in 2006. The total amount of outstanding wages was $16,731.03.
According to Section 23 and 25 of the Employment Ordinance, wages due upon expiry of the last day of the wage period or upon the termination of employment shall be paid as soon as practicable but in any case not later than seven days thereafter.
"Employees, including foreign domestic helpers, who are owed wages should promptly report to the Labour Department, assist in investigation and give evidence to protect their interests," he said.
The spokesman urged employees who were owed wages to call the department's complaints hotline on 2815 2200.
Ends/Monday, May 25, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:02
NNNN
