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Two construction contractors, Mr Ho Shun and Mr Chan Sai-wing trading as Ever Rich (China & HK) Eng Co, were fined $25,500 and $14,800 respectively at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (May 18) for wage offences under the Employment Ordinance. The prosecutions were launched by the Labour Department.
Both failed to pay wages to two employees within seven days of the expiry of the wage period and the termination of employment. In addition to paying the fines, they were ordered to clear the outstanding wages to the employees concerned via court.
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 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.
The Labour Department urged employees who are owed wages to call its complaint hotline, 2815 2200 immediately.
Ends/Friday, May 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:26
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