Friday, March 29, 2024 - Login

MGM China staff protests over pay and working conditions


Around 2,000 workers from MGM China staged a protest on Monday over pay inequality, bonuses and working conditions, local media reports.

The protesters, which included croupiers, security guards and food and beverage workers, accused their employer of denying them a pay rise despite increased revenue, and have complained of an “unfair” bonus policy.

Organizer of the protest, New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association said that the bonuses awarded to senior executives was far better compared to frontline workers. According to the claims, shift managers and senior managers have been entitled to a bonus of three months salary, while frontline workers have only been entitled to a bonus equal to one month’s salary.

The protesters have demanded the casino operator pay them a bonus equivalent to two month’s salary, every year.

The group has also claimed substandard working conditions, with some saying they have been forced to work at new electronic baccarat tables which have caused headaches, dizziness and nausea.

Cloee Chao, president of the New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association, said that the demonstrators are considering escalating their action unless their demands are answered.

"They have already exhausted many ways to raise the issue with their company, but this new casino still adopts those problematic tables despite previous calls. They also thought they would receive all overdue bonuses as encouragement when the new casino opened, but they still haven't heard from their employer so far. They think further action is needed, other than a sit-in, some will kick off some industrial action to protest further", Ms. Chao said.

MGM China, in a statement to Macau Daily Times, said that it “values its team members and as such, accepts that individuals have the right to express their views.”

“Consistent with our desire to provide a safe and positive working environment, we continue to be actively engaged in communicating directly with all our team members. We will have ongoing communication with the team members so as to improve the experience for both our team and guests,” the company said.

Asia Gaming Brief is a news and intelligence service providing up to date market information for worldwide executives on relevant gaming issues in Asia.

Contact us

ASIA GAMING BRIEF
PO Box 1139, Macau SAR
Tel: +853 2871 7267
Fax: +853 2871 7264

Asia Gaming Brief