Former Principal Sues School Board for HK$5.8 Million Over Alleged Wrongful Dismissal
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Wong Lai-ting, former principal of Chen Nam Chong Memorial School operated by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth, filed a claim at the Labour Tribunal in 2022 alleging wrongful dismissal and seeking nearly HK$5.8 million in compensation. The school board accused Wong of dereliction of duty and poor administrative handling, terminating her employment immediately without notice or payment in lieu. On Monday, Principal Adjudicator Sham Chee-leung adjourned the case to June 30, 2027, citing an ongoing police investigation that could shed light on whether Wong's alleged misconduct justified summary dismissal.
Key Points
- The claimant, Wong Lai-ting, served as principal at Chen Nam Chong Memorial School in Southern District before her dismissal in 2022
- The school board cited dereliction of duty and unsatisfactory administrative management as grounds for immediate termination without notice or payment in lieu
- Wong's claim totals HK$5,799,368.68, covering notice pay, unpaid wages, MPF government contributions, MPF dividend losses, severance, and long service payments
- Police are investigating 12 related complaints, with 10 cases referred to the Department of Justice and 2 still under investigation
- The case was adjourned to June 30, 2027, after the tribunal ruled that police findings could determine whether summary dismissal was justified
Why It Matters
The case highlights tensions between school management and governance, with Wong questioning the board's competence after multiple principal changes within four years. The tribunal's decision to await police findings underscores how misconduct allegations in educational institutions can trigger parallel legal and employment proceedings, potentially affecting dozens of staff and students .
The case highlights tensions between school management and governance, with Wong questioning the board's competence after multiple principal changes within four years. The tribunal's decision to await police findings underscores how misconduct allegations in educational institutions can trigger parallel legal and employment proceedings, potentially affecting dozens of staff and students .