On-site checks:
Senior Labour Officer (Labour Inspection) Raymond Ho says inspectors have been focusing their visits on industries that are most affected by the statutory minimum wage.
Inspectors promote minimum wage compliance
May 29, 2011
The end of this month will see the first salary payments since the statutory minimum wage came into effect on May 1. To ensure employees' legal rights are protected, Labour Department officers have been conducting workplace inspections.
Speaking to news.gov.hk, the department’s Senior Labour Officer (Labour Inspection) Raymond Ho said inspectors have been focusing their visits on industries that are most affected by the statutory minimum wage, including security services, catering, retail, express delivery and nursing homes, to ensure the hourly wage paid is no less than $28.
The inspectors meet with employers and employees to learn about their employment contracts, and check relevant employment and salary records. They also distribute leaflets about the statutory minimum wage.
"If they have any questions, labour inspectors will explain the relevant provisions of the law to help them better understand the requirements," Mr Ho said.
He reminded employees to take note of their employment terms when they receive their month-end salary payment, and make sure the amount paid corresponds to the number of hours they have worked, and the hourly salary is no lower than the $28 minimum wage.
If they have questions, employees can first clarify the calculation method with their employers. Explanations usually resolve the questions, but if any doubt remains, employees can seek help from the Labour Department.
People can also refer to the department’s leaflets which contain detailed information about the statutory minimum wage. If any breach of the law is suspected, complaints can be lodged with the department’s hotline, 2815 2200.
Mr Ho warned that employers will be prosecuted in case of sufficient evidence that they have willfully broken the law.
(Part 3 of Statutory Minimum Wage series)
