[Hong Kong] Bakery chain sparks outrage for converting storm leave

In Hong Kong, a bakery chain has outraged its employees by allegedly converting typhoon leave into regular days off, prompting accusations of unfair treatment and potential violation of employment laws, The Standard reports.

The Observatory issued Signal 8, 9, and 10 warnings over two days when Typhoon Ragasa struck Hong Kong. Many workers were given a day and a half of storm-related leave as a result, but for some, this leave had a different impact. 

Employees at a well-known bakery chain reportedly used social media to allege that the company had deducted these typhoon days from their regular leave entitlements and express their frustration. 

One employee stated that the company’s actions seemed to contravene employment regulations, leading to a broader discussion about workplace fairness during natural disasters. 

The bakery responded online, suggesting workers address concerns directly with supervisors or human resources. Its reply didn’t satisfy the complainant, who accused the company of dismissive behaviour and exploiting legal loopholes. They subsequently revealed that the company later reclassified deducted leave as “incentive leave” rather than regular rest days. 

This incentive leave, earned for not taking sick days, was reportedly intended to reward employees, leaving workers feeling cheated when it was used to offset typhoon-related absences. 

The controversy gained momentum online, with other workers sharing similar experiences, including deductions for storm leave or reduced pay in industries such as hospitality, where such practices appear common. 

Many commenters shared their own frustration and noted limited options for low-paid workers in these sectors.

According to reporting from The Standard, Albert Luk - a prominent barrister - clarified that under Employment Ordinance, employers cannot lawfully deduct annual leave, statutory holidays, or rest days to compensate for time lost due to typhoon signals or severe weather warnings, without a reasonable justification. 

Mr Luk advised employees to challenge such practices and suggested discreet approaches, such as making inquiries with labour authorities to help protect their rights without risking their jobs. 

This issue has reportedly drawn significant attention, with ongoing inquiries directed at the bakery chain demanding that it clarify its policies and address the allegations.

Source: The Standard

In Hong Kong, a bakery chain has outraged its employees by allegedly converting typhoon leave into regular days off, prompting accusations of unfair treatment and potential violation of employment laws, The Standard reports.

The Observatory issued Signal 8, 9, and 10 warnings over two days when Typhoon Ragasa struck Hong Kong. Many workers were given a day and a half of storm-related leave as a result, but for some, this leave had a different impact. 

Employees at a well-known bakery chain reportedly used social media to allege that the company had deducted these typhoon days from their regular leave entitlements and express their frustration. 

One employee stated that the company’s actions seemed to contravene employment regulations, leading to a broader discussion about workplace fairness during natural disasters. 

The bakery responded online, suggesting workers address concerns directly with supervisors or human resources. Its reply didn’t satisfy the complainant, who accused the company of dismissive behaviour and exploiting legal loopholes. They subsequently revealed that the company later reclassified deducted leave as “incentive leave” rather than regular rest days. 

This incentive leave, earned for not taking sick days, was reportedly intended to reward employees, leaving workers feeling cheated when it was used to offset typhoon-related absences. 

The controversy gained momentum online, with other workers sharing similar experiences, including deductions for storm leave or reduced pay in industries such as hospitality, where such practices appear common. 

Many commenters shared their own frustration and noted limited options for low-paid workers in these sectors.

According to reporting from The Standard, Albert Luk - a prominent barrister - clarified that under Employment Ordinance, employers cannot lawfully deduct annual leave, statutory holidays, or rest days to compensate for time lost due to typhoon signals or severe weather warnings, without a reasonable justification. 

Mr Luk advised employees to challenge such practices and suggested discreet approaches, such as making inquiries with labour authorities to help protect their rights without risking their jobs. 

This issue has reportedly drawn significant attention, with ongoing inquiries directed at the bakery chain demanding that it clarify its policies and address the allegations.

Source: The Standard