Since then, more than 2,600 complaints Physical Fitness’ gym members have been filed with Hong Kong’s Customs and Excise Department and the police, leading to the arrest of two directors of the gym chain.

Sun told reporters that LD members and labour unions are “trying their very best” to persuade the employer of Physical Fitness to sign a statement declaring that they are unable to pay their employees.

This will speed up the process for affected employees who are eligible for funding support under Hong Kong’s Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund, according to Sun.

“In the event that this statement is not available, there is an established procedure which has to go through the Labour Tribunal and also to file a petition to the court, so it takes a bit more time,” the labour secretary said.

“Yet you can rest assured that under the Fund, all the affected employees can get funding support for their unpaid wages and severance payment.”