XN000022-1973-12-27 — Page 9

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Thursday, December 27, 1973

NEW YEAR'S DAY IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY

The Commissioner of Labour, Mr. I.R. Price, today reminded employers

that next Tuesday (January 1) is one of the six statutory holidays to

which all non-manual employees earning not more than $1,500 a month

and all manual employees irrespective of the amount of their earnings

are entitled under the Employment Ordinance.

"It is important to note that the ordinance does not make a distinction

between industrial and non-industrial employees," Mr. Price said.

To qualify for pay on the coming statutory holiday, which must be

granted in addition to the four rest days a month provided by the same

ordinance, an employee must have been employed continuously by his employer

for three months or more immediately preceding the statutory holiday.

An employee who is not so qualified must be given a holiday but

he is not entitled to be paid, although an employer may voluntarily agree

to pay him.

Any employee or employer who is in doubt about his rights or

obligations regarding the statutory holiday or holiday pay may consult officers of the Labour Relations Service at telephone numbers 5-282523,

12-422096, 3-205638 and 3-898520.

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