Macau labor group urges government to better protect local workers

Sunday 13th of March 2016

Members of the Power of the Macao Gaming Association met with the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong on Friday in order to discuss the rights of local workers, local media reports.

Head of the Macau Civil Servants Association (ATFPM) Pereira Coutinho was also in attendance to the meeting, and argued that the government should take a closer look at labor law to “provide more protection for workers” in relation to being fired without ‘just cause’ as well as the compensation that follows. “Systematically there are workers being fired without a justifiable reason,” said Coutinho.

Coutinho also added that local workers were being barred from higher positions given the number of non-resident workers occupying those positions and urged the government to make changes in that area.

In the meeting with the Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, the association brought a list of three main problems that they wished to see resolved, including improving Macau’s retirement scheme, a close eye on changes in the gaming sector during the adjustment period (post mid-term review) and the reduction in the number of non-resident workers in order to give more opportunity to local workers.