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Mr Gurung Taraparsad, a construction sub-contractor, and Mr Wong Cheong-wah, an employer in the construction industry, were fined $18,000 and $12,000 respectively at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts today (September 28) for wage offences under the Employment Ordinance. The prosecutions were launched by the Labour Department.
Mr Gurung failed to pay wages to six employees within seven days of the expiry of the wage period and the termination of employment.
Mr Wong also failed to pay wages to four employees within seven days of the expiry of the wage period and the termination of employment.
According to Section 23 and 25 of the Employment Ordinance, wages due upon expiry of the last day of the wage period or upon termination of employment must 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.
The Labour Department urged employees who are owed wages to immediately report to its complaint hotline on 2815 2200.
Ends/Thursday, September 28, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:25
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