Understaffed and Underpaid: The Ocean Empire Collapse

In a shocking turn of events, Ocean Empire, a once-thriving Cantonese restaurant chain, has abruptly closed its doors, leaving more than 100 employees without pay. The Labour Department has estimated the unpaid wages and benefits to be around HK$15 million.

An estimated 110 workers, ranging from chefs and servers to maintenance and warehouse personnel, were left stranded without their April salaries, severance packages, and contributions to the Mandatory Provident Fund. The Eating Establishment Employees General Union, aligned with the pro-establishment Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, revealed these details during a meeting with affected employees.

Government Steps In Amidst Worker Turmoil

Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun announced that the Labour Department has received approximately 100 complaints from former Ocean Empire staff and is prepared to assist both local and imported labor workers, stressing that all employees in Hong Kong are entitled to the same labor rights and protections. He urged those affected to formally report their issues.

A Culinary Institution’s Downfall

Founded in 1992, Ocean Empire specialized in delectable Cantonese dishes like congee and rice rolls, boasting seven branches at the time of its closure. At its height, the chain operated around 30 locations in the city.

Suddenly, last Wednesday, the chain issued a notice announcing the immediate closure of all branches and termination of staff contracts, advising employees to consult the Labour Department regarding their rights. However, many workers reported that management had vanished, leaving them feeling abandoned and helpless in the face of this sudden upheaval.

Protests Echoed by Employees

Former employees expressed their frustrations at a union meeting, noting a stark contrast to previous closures, which had been handled with more transparency. The union criticized the abrupt termination, stating that it failed to consider the dedication and hard work of the employees who supported the restaurant.

A Grim Financial Reality Post-Pandemic

In a desperate attempt to save the business, Ocean Empire announced on Friday that it had invested over HK$30 million since the Covid-19 pandemic hit. They indicated that the company faced insurmountable challenges with declining consumer interest and a shift in dining preferences that they could not overcome.

With shareholders pulling back, the founders lamented their inability to adapt to changing market conditions, ultimately leading to the painful decision to liquidate the company. "We had hoped for an economic revival post-pandemic, but our efforts fell short," their statement read.