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The employer of a foreign domestic helper was sentenced to 100 hours' community service order today (December 10) at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts 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 and $3,580 as set out in the employment contracts signed by both parties in 2008 and 2009. The total amount underpaid was about $13,000.
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 the matter 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 the department's complaints hotline on 2815 2200 immediately.
Ends/Friday, December 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:31
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