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Noting most employers will shortly effect wages to their employees for the first time following the implementation of the Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO), the Labour Department (LD) launches a special enforcement campaign from today (June 1) up to June 15 to safeguard employees' rights and benefits. During the period, Labour Inspectors will take focused action to inspect establishments of industries specially affected by the MWO including catering, retail, cleaning service, security, care home, courier service, hairdressing and beauty parlour. The campaign aims to cover some 2 000 workplaces.
Labour Inspectors during inspections will explain to employers and employees the requirements of the MWO and check whether their wages are not less than the statutory minimum wage (SMW) level. Should irregularities be detected, they will require employers to take appropriate measures to ensure their compliance with the MWO including prompt payment to employees of any wages falling short of the SMW. For wilful breaches, LD will take stringent enforcement action. At the first day of the special enforcement campaign, Labour Inspectors have conducted inspections to 248 workplaces, of which employees in two cases suspected their wage rates were lower than the SMW. We are taking follow-up actions.
Since the implementation of the MWO on May 1 and up to end of May, Labour Inspectors conducted some 3 000 workplace inspections, of which employees in 28 cases suspected their wage rates were lower than the SMW. Labour Inspectors had promptly advised employees/employers of the requirements of the law so as to protect the interests of employees.
Employees whose wages paid by employers do not meet the SMW rate may lodge complaints through LD's complaint hotline (2815 2200). LD will promptly follow up and investigate all complaints received. If employers and employees have any questions on SMW, they can make enquiries through LD's 24-hour hotline (2717 1771), or obtain more information at the 10 district offices of LD's Labour Relations Division. The Minimum Wage Reference Calculator at LD's homepage (www.labour.gov.hk) and the GovHK website (www.gov.hk) also provides a quick preliminary reference in ascertaining whether wages are up to the SMW level.
Ends/Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:05
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