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Mr Wong Man-wing, a construction contractor, and Mr Wen Peng-chio trading as King Fai Construction Company were fined $13,000 and $11,500 respectively at the Kwun Tong and Shatin Magistrates' Courts today (March 24) for wage offences under the Employment Ordinance. The prosecutions were launched by the Labour Department.
Mr Wong failed to pay wages to two employees within seven days after the termination of employment as required by the ordinance. The amount of wages involved was about $18,900. In addition to paying the fines, he was ordered to clear the outstanding wages to the two employees via court.
Mr Wen also failed to pay wages to an employee within seven days after the termination of employment. The amount of wages involved was $12,600.
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 $200,000 and imprisonment for one year.
The Labour Department urged employees who were owed wages to immediately report to the department's complaint hotline on 2815 2200.
Ends/Friday, March 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:05
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