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The employer of a foreign domestic helper was fined $42,000 at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (February 12) and sentenced to 160 hours' community service for underpaying wages to her helper. The prosecution was initiated by the Labour Department.
The employer failed to pay wages according to the minimum allowable wage of $3,480 as set out in the employment contract signed by both parties in 2008. The total amount underpaid was $15,360.
According to section 23 of the Employment Ordinance, wages due on expiry of the last day of the wage period 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.
"Employers of foreign domestic helpers should not pay their helpers below the minimum allowable wage stipulated by the Government. Furthermore, 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. The Labour Department does not tolerate wage offences and spares no effort in prosecuting employers who defy the law," a spokesman for the Labour Department said.
The spokesman urged employees who were owed wages to call to the department's complaints hotline on 2815 2200 immediately.
Ends/Friday, February 12, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:05
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