Closure of Hong Kong’s Taipan bakery leaves 211 employees seeking HK$32 million
Labour Department says sum owed by bakery chain, known for ‘snow skin’ mooncakes, mostly consists of unpaid wages, dismissal compensation
The closure of a 41-year-old Hong Kong bakery chain, known for its “snow skin” mooncakes, has left 211 employees seeking help from labour authorities over HK$32 million (US$4.1 million) in unpaid wages, dismissal compensation and other debts.
The Labour Department said on Wednesday that the sum owed by Taipan Bread & Cakes mostly consisted of unpaid wages and dismissal compensation.
“We are very concerned about the incident and urge the affected employees to register their information with the department immediately,” a department spokesman said.
The Hotels, Food and Beverage Employees Association earlier in the day said it had offered help to 199 staff members, mostly factory workers, as of Tuesday.
The trade union also put the amount of money owed at more than HK$38 million, with the figure largely consisting of unpaid wages, payments in lieu of notice, and severance and long-service payments.
The Customs and Excise Department also said it had received two reports in connection with the bakery chain.