W2E Technologies and director fined after pleading guilty to violating labour laws in Hong Kong

'The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law'

W2E Technologies and director fined after pleading guilty to violating labour laws in Hong Kong

The Labour Department (LD) has prosecuted W2E Technologies Limited and its director for violating the Employment Ordinance (EO).

According to a news release, both the company and its director pleaded guilty and received individual fines of $25,000, resulting in a total penalty of $50,000 at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on January 11.

The press release said the company neglected to pay approximately $6,000 in wages to an employee within seven days after the termination of the employment contract, as required by the EO. Furthermore, they failed to settle a sum of around $7,000, awarded by the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board (MECAB), within 14 days after the date set by the MECAB.

The director was prosecuted and convicted for his consent, connivance or neglect in these offenses.

Employees’ wages must be paid

A spokesperson for the LD noted that this ruling sends a strong message to employers, directors, and responsible officers of companies.

“They have to pay employees' wages within the time limit stipulated in the EO and awarded sums as ordered by the Labour Tribunal or the MECAB,” said the spokesperson.

"The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees' statutory rights.”

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