HK employers liable for firing COVID-positive Fil workers
By Nidz Godino
” Those heartless employers who terminated the contract of sick Filipinos will be held liable because what they did is against laws of Hong Kong…simply put, we will go after them,” Consul General Raly Tejada would hold employers liable for firing Filipino workers who test positive for COVID-19 as the Chinese city faces surge in infections.
Tejada said Philippines will “blacklist” employers that terminate contracts with Filipino workers who contracted respiratory illness.
The consulate has rescued up to 10 Filipino workers who were forced to sleep outdoors after being sacked by employers for testing positive for COVID-19, Tejada said.
” We have rescued all of them and put them in isolation and medical facilities,” he said.
Tejada said employers are responsible for the treatment of their COVID-positive employees.
Those found guilty of firing sick workers will face fines, among other sanctions, said Tejada, adding that he has been in contact with Hong Kong’s labor office.
But in case a Filipino worker chooses to return to his or her employer, “we will not stop them from doing so,” Tejada said.
Filipino workers in need of help can contact the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong through the number 9155-4023, Tejada said.
Hong Kong is currently in the throes of its worst-ever COVID-19 outbreak, driven by highly contagious omicron variant. The financial hub is registering thousands of confirmed cases a day, with hospitals reaching a breaking point.
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