‘It’s tough’: 30 Hong Kong workers complain as King Parrot Group debt hits HK$5 million
Closure of nine restaurants affects about 120 employees and results in about HK$5 million in unpaid entitlements, union says
More than 30 of about 120 employees hit by the sudden closure of nine restaurants operated by a large Hong Kong catering group have sought help from labour authorities, with a representative saying the debt involved has increased to HK$5 million (US$637,155).
The workers sought help on Monday after the 33-year-old King Parrot Group closed its nine eateries on Friday. At its peak, the company operated more than 20 brands and over 30 themed restaurants.
The manager of China House restaurant in Mei Foo said her eatery was among the closed ones as she joined other affected workers at the Labour Department.
“We [managers of different restaurants] were called to the office for a meeting in the afternoon during service hours, and were told that restaurants would shut down on the spot,” the manager said.
“It is tough for us proletarians in this economy of ever-shutting-down restaurants, but what can we do?
“You do not earn, then you do not eat; we will still have to pay our rent and everything.”