Everyone makes mistakes, which sometimes, we simply have to pay the price for. But, we have to admit, working at this ramen shop takes the cake! Apparently, one mistake at the store can cost you a lot— literally.
Just yesterday (20th February), it was revealed that a popular ramen chain store had a policy of punishing their staff by deducting their wages if they broke certain rules. Needless to say, there’s been an outcry against them, with many claiming they were going against local labour laws.
News of the store’s alleged underhanded policies first starting circulating on Twitter, where the netizen claimed that the ramen chain store would fine their staff for unpaid leave. They also included the list of offenses the restaurant would charge their staff for.
These fines comprised of matters like being late, taking MC without informing them before work, and consistently going to the toilet. Employees could lose up to RM500 for a single offense, and more as the shop fines RM100 per day for each day of unpaid leave.
Netizens were understandably horrified and urged relevant authorities to take action regarding the issue. Well, after it’s reveal, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has addressed the matter publicly and confirmed that the store’s act violates Part 4 of the Labour Act.
“Employers cannot deduct salaries except for items allowed by law, such as Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organisation (Socso), and income tax,” he told New Straits Times, adding that salary deductions could not be used for other purposes. “Disciplinary measures must be addressed through a proper procedure of Domestic Inquiry (DI).”
HR Minister Steven Sim also urged those facing such discrimination to lodge a report to the Labour Department for further action. However, the ramen store in question has supposedly lodged a report themselves to the police regarding the matter.
Upon NST’s inquiry, the chain store declined to disclose details regarding their report. However, presumably it has something to do with one of their staff members “publishing (the) company’s policy to (the) public“. Apparently, the store has warned all current and former staff members that they will take immediate action against such violation of their rules.
The netizen who shared the issue claimed the person who uploaded the leak “is nowhere to be found“. They also surmised that this practice is being done in two of their outlets, including their latest one in TRX.
Well, we sincerely hope that things will change for the better now that the matter has been brought to life. Hopefully employees of the ramen chain restaurant will make the necessary reports in order to truly close down this despicable practice.
Sources: Twitter, New Straits Times, China Press
