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A construction contractor, Mr Yan Cheuk-tim, was fined $15,000 at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts today (April 30) for wage offences under the Employment Ordinance. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.
The employer failed to pay wages to five employees within seven days of the termination of employment.
According to Section 25 of the Employment Ordinance, wages due 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.
Employees who are owed wages should immediately report to the Labour Department's complaint hotline on 2815 2200.
Ends/Monday, April 30, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:51
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