Former Principal Sues Former School for HK$960K Over Wrongful Dismissal
HK01 · 5 SOURCES8 minutes ago6 MIN
Summary
Former Tuen Mun New Territories Association Secondary School principal Lee Cheuk-hing (李卓興) has filed a Labour Tribunal claim seeking approximately HK$960,000 from his former employer, alleging wrongful dismissal without proper cause. The case arose from incidents during a Singapore study tour in May 2026, after which Lee was suspended on May 26 and officially terminated on June 2. The school's governing board and sponsor organisation named as respondents rejected any settlement during Tuesday's brief mention hearing. Adjudicator Sham Ki-leung (沈其亮) set the central issue as whether Lee's conduct was severe enough to justify summary dismissal, scheduling the full hearing for December 1.
Key Points
- Lee served as principal at Tuen Mun New Territories Association Secondary School before his dismissal on June 2, 2026, with the Labour Tribunal case LBTC3106/2026 involving claims totalling approximately HK$960,000
- During the Singapore study tour on May 21-22, Lee was involved in a gaming incident on May 21 and a bus incident on May 22 where he reportedly shouted at a local security guard while the tour bus was illegally parked on double yellow lines
- School supervisor Chiu Tsz-ki (趙子基) represented the respondents at Tuesday's hearing, stating the school informed Lee of the dismissal decision before he submitted any sick leave documentation
- Adjudicator Sham ruled the central question is whether Lee's alleged misconduct was severe enough to warrant summary dismissal; if not severe enough, the school must demonstrate other reasonable grounds for termination
- Lee confirmed on Tuesday he would not pursue claims for sickness allowance or MPF contribution shortfalls, as the school had already resolved these matters privately with him
Why It Matters
The tribunal's ruling could establish a benchmark for Hong Kong schools handling disciplinary action against senior management, particularly regarding the threshold required to justify summary dismissal of principals . Parents and educators will monitor whether the tribunal finds the school's response proportionate, given Lee's position of authority over students during an overseas activity and the school's documented evidence including video footage of the bus incident .
The tribunal's ruling could establish a benchmark for Hong Kong schools handling disciplinary action against senior management, particularly regarding the threshold required to justify summary dismissal of principals . Parents and educators will monitor whether the tribunal finds the school's response proportionate, given Lee's position of authority over students during an overseas activity and the school's documented evidence including video footage of the bus incident .