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Contracts may be terminated if workers exploited

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Food and hygiene chief sounds warning over future deals

Future contractors with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department were warned yesterday their contracts could be terminated if they exploited workers.

Food and Environmental Hygiene Director Gregory Leung Wing-lup said on Commercial Radio that the department was seeking legal advice to include a special condition in future deals that would allow it to prematurely terminate contracts with companies found guilty of breaking labour laws.

The comment came after a magistrate this month criticised the city's labour laws as outdated and fined department contractor Wai Hong Cleaning & Pest Control more than $230,000 for sacking three workers who took part in union activities and denying them rest days.

Despite the conviction, Mr Leung admitted yesterday that the department could not legally terminate the company's 24 service contracts, worth $400 million.

The last contract will expire in 2009.

The director called on workers who were forced to pay kickbacks to their employers to report them to the department or the police.

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