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An employer engaged in the cross-border transportation industry was fined $59,000 at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts today (September 27). The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.
The employer failed to pay wages and annual leave pay to an employee within seven days after the day of termination as required by the ordinance. In addition, she also failed to pay statutory holiday pay as required by the ordinance and severance payment as ordered by the Labour Tribunal. Aside from the fine, the employer was also ordered by the court to pay the outstanding sums via the court.
According to Sections 25 of the Employment Ordinance, wages due on the day of termination must be paid as soon as practicable, but not later than seven days thereafter. 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.
Any employer who fails to comply with the requirements of Sections 31O, 40 and 41D of the Employment Ordinance regarding the respective payments of severance payment, holiday pay and annual leave pay is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 for each offence.
Employees who are owed wages should immediately call the Labour Department's complaint hotline on 2815 2200.
Ends/Monday, September 27, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:31
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