Hong Kong firm, director to pay $152,000 after failing to pay wages
After pleading guilty, Biotech company HK Bio-Rhythm R&D Company as well as its director have been fined for violating requirements under the Employment Ordinance (EO).
The Labour Department (LD) had found that the firm failed to pay the wages of four employees within the seven-day period allotted following the expiration of wage periods, which amounted to nearly $703,000.
The director of HK Bio-Rhythm had also been prosecuted and convicted because of her consent, connivance, or neglect.
“The ruling helps disseminate a strong message to all employers, directors and responsible officers of companies that they have to pay wages to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO,” a spokesperson from the Labour Department stated.
He further added that the department will not be tolerating such offences and will be doing its best in enforcing the laws which will continue to safeguard an employee’s statutory rights.
HK Bio-Rhythm pleaded guilty at the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts, and were tasked with a penalty that required them to pay They are set to pay a total $152,000.
Hong Kong’s Employment Ordinance aims to protect the wages of employees as well as regulate the general conditions surrounding the employment along with the employment agencies through the legislation providing a fundamental protection to workers and their rights.
