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The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) will join hands with the Labour Department to look into complaints that involve both MPF Schemes and labour legislation.

A total of 66 such cases have been received by the Authority, and amongst them 60 cases have been initially handled. As of yesterday (December 19), four cases have been withdrawn and the remaining 56 cases will be jointly handled by the MPFA and the Labour Department.

Mr. Ernest Lee, Executive Director (Member Protection) of the MPFA, told a seminar today (December 20) that both parties will take every effort in pursing the cases.

He added: "We encounter difficulties of various degrees when investigating anonymous complaints. I call on complainants to provide us with more details, which will be kept confidential."

Also speaking at the seminar, Mrs Jennie Chor, Assistant Commissioner for Labour, encouraged employees with grievances to bring forward their complaints to the Labour Department or the MPFA. "Many of the cases were satisfactorily resolved after conciliation by the Labour Department, without having to go through the courts," she added.

Mr. Ho Sai-chu, Permanent Supervisor of Hong Kong Construction Association, gave his full backing for the MPF system, saying that this will provide retirement benefits for employees in the construction sector. Workers who face MPF or labour-related problems can contact the Association for assistance, he said.

Since December 11, the MPFA Enforcement Team has made inspections at 58 construction firms and 62 restaurants. As of yesterday, a total of 1,744,000 employees and 183,700 self-employed persons have joined MPF schemes, representing 87 per cent and 65 per cent of the respective total population. The number for employers was 172,200, representing 69 per cent.

End/Wednesday, December 20, 2000