2 -
Prior work arrangements in times of rainstorms important
*
The Labour Department today (Thursday) advised employers and employees to reach a prior agreement on work arrangements and contingency measures in times of rainstorms.
The advice came from the acting Assistant Commissioner for Labour, Mr Yeung Chi-kin, following a recent rainstorm which had caused traffic congestions in some districts.
Mr Yeung said making such an agreement was very important in preventing unnecessary misunderstandings and labour disputes.
"Statutory regulation of work arrangements in times of rainstorms would not be practicable because of the diversity in nature and requirements of jobs in different trades and industries.
"Therefore, employers are strongly advised to adopt a flexible approach in drawing up work arrangements during inclement weather.
"Due consideration should be given to employees' safety in workplaces as well as their journeys to and from work," he said.
The Labour Department has published a bilingual booklet entitled "Code of Practice in Times of Typhoons and Rainstorms" which serves as a reference guide to facilitate employers and employees to make early work arrangements for inclement weather.
This publication is available at various Labour Relations Service branch offices throughout the territory.
An agreement on work arrangement should normally cover rules regarding report for duty, release from work, resumption of work and calculation of wages.
"The agreement should also state clearly the colour code of rainstorm under which employees are not required to work and the time of issue of such signals when they are not required to work and the time of issue of such signals when they are not required to report for duty," Mr Yeung said.
Noting that some industries may require employees to work under the Black Rainstorm Warning, Mr Yeung said such a requirement should be clearly stated before employment commences and sufficient notice should be given to employees.