The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has awarded a Chinese construction worker over 14,000 for underpayment of wages and unpaid annual leave, following a complaint supported by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.
Mr Dongming Hou, who worked over 50 hours per week for Cork-based Buildify Construction and Technology Limited, brought the complaint against his employer with the support of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.
In a decision issued on 30 June 2026 by adjudication officer Thomas O’Driscoll, it was determined that Mr Hou was significantly underpaid throughout his employment. The decision awarded monies to the worker for violations to the National Minimum Wage Act and the Organisation of Working Time Act.
Mr Hou was recruited to work as construction engineer and promised an employment permit. His contract stated that he would work from 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. However, evidence before the WRC showed that he worked an average of 56.76 hours per week while receiving a fixed monthly salary of 1,600 – equating to less than 7 per hour.
Mr Hou was told that his salary would be increased to the market rate after successfully completing a three-month probationary period. Despite remaining in employment for approximately eight months, his salary was never reviewed. In March 2025, he was dismissed by text message and was subsequently instructed to vacate employer-provided accommodation.
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