Commerce bureau urges operator to follow the law and pay up
CHRISTY.LEUNG@SCMP.COM
UPDATED : Saturday, 09 April, 2016, 8:00am
A coffee shop at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Photo: SCMP Pictures
The operator of the shopping mall at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal allegedly owes salaries to about 60 staff, sparking fears the situation could mirror that of recently shut down ATV.
It was reported that HK Cruise Plaza, the shopping mall situated at the terminal, failed to pay 60 staff members their February and March wages. At least ten of the employees walked out this week by exercising their labour rights in accordance to the Employment Ordinance.
A former worker surnamed Lau told Chinese media the operator had started delaying payments in June last year.
“Management claimed to have financial problems and therefore could not pay the February salary,” Lau said.
She added employees were asked to sign an agreement to delay payment of the February salary to March 18. “But when the day came, the boss said they still did not have money,” recalled Lau.
Another staff member said the company also failed to pay March wages in April.
The labour department confirmed it received cases from the staff and said it was trying to provide assistance, including arranging meetings for both sides to talk.
The commerce and economic development bureau said in a statement the business of the cruise terminal had been growing steadily and that its food outlets were popular with visitors. The bureau urged the operator to act in accordance with the law and pay its staff on time.
Opened in 2014, HK Cruise Plaza offers over 22,000 square feet of retail space. The mall holds a range of duty-free products as well as food and beverage outlets.
http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/1934778/another-atv-hong-kong-mall-staff-kai-tak-cruise-terminal
