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Following is the transcript of remarks on ATV by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, after attending a ceremony to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Institute of Active Ageing of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the opening ceremony of Active Ageing Week today (April 10):
Reporter: On the ATV case, what are the updates on the case and salary payments?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: At the Shatin Magistrates' Courts this morning, the case was heard and in fact a very high fine of $690,000 was imposed on ATV itself. Together with the 38 summonses (to) which they pleaded guilty a bit earlier, the fines in fact amounted to a record high of $1,070,000. It is the highest on record. I think it sends a very strong message to the community that the Labour Department does not tolerate any abuse, particularly the failure of employers to pay wages due to employees. It also underlines our determination to protect the statutory rights of employees in Hong Kong. As for the future direction of ATV, the employees are of course under the feeling of anxiety and sense of suspense. I think it is in the interest of employees and also the company itself to quickly decide on the way forward, and its future direction.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, April 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:03
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