Company director fined HK$51,000 for wage violations
A company director in Hong Kong was fined HK$51,000 after the firm failed to pay three employees HK$1.927 million in wages and termination payments and HK$2.147 million in tribunal awards. The Labour Department warned directors they are responsible for complying with employment laws.
A company director in Hong Kong has been fined HK$51,000 for violating the Employment Ordinance, the Labour Department announced on 9 October.
The company intentionally and without reasonable excuse failed to pay three employees a total of approximately HK$1.927 million in wages and termination payments within seven days after the end of the wage period and after the termination of their employment contracts. The company also failed to pay the same three employees a total of approximately HK$2.147 million in awards ordered by the Labour Tribunal within 14 days of the tribunal's judgment.
The director was prosecuted and convicted because the violations occurred with his consent, connivance or through his neglect, the Labour Department said.
A Labour Department spokesman said: "The judgment sends a strong message to all employers, company directors and relevant responsible persons that they have a duty to comply with the Employment Ordinance and to pay wages, termination compensation and awards ordered by the Labour Tribunal or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board to employees within the statutory periods."
The spokesman added: "The Labour Department will not tolerate such illegal acts and will strictly enforce the law, doing its utmost to protect employees' statutory rights."