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In response to media enquiries regarding the late payment of wages by Asia Television Limited (ATV), a spokesman for the Labour Department (LD) responded today (February 11) as follows:
"The LD deployed officers to the head office of ATV in Tai Po this morning to conduct investigation and collect evidence in relation to the status of wage payment by the employer. We also wrote to ATV and its directors again today to emphasise the consequences of contravening the Employment Ordinance, and to remind them to clear the overdue wages owed to their staff promptly."
The spokesman said, "Today we are offering assistance to some employees in registering their claims against ATV. We will assist them to complete the necessary procedures and will continue to render assistance to other employees approaching us in lodging claims."
The spokesman said that the LD is now assisting some employees to file their claims with the Labour Tribunal. In case the employer is unable to pay, the employees will also be referred to the Legal Aid Department to apply for legal aid for taking out relevant legal procedures if necessary. They will also be assisted to make applications for ex-gratia payment from the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund.
Employees may call the LD's dedicated employment rights and benefits hotline for ATV employees (Tel: 2929 4065) for enquiries. They may also approach the office of the LD's Labour Relations Division in Sha Tin directly for assistance.
As regards employment services, the spokesman said the LD will continue to contact major broadcasting organisations to canvass suitable vacancies. At present, there are over 200 vacancies offered by these organisations. Information on these vacancies has been uploaded to the LD's Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk). Job seekers may browse the information online or via mobile application at any time.
The spokesman added that the LD has opened a dedicated employment services hotline (Tel: 2654 1429) to answer ATV employees' enquiries on such services. Special counters have also been set up at all the 13 Job Centres of the LD to provide priority registration and employment services for ATV employees.
Ends/Thursday, February 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:03
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