Issues revolving around increasing numbers of non-resident workers, the retirement system and suggestions for the Gaming Mid-term Review were discussed during a meeting with the Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong Vai Tak, initiated by Stephen Lan, the President of Power of the Macau Gaming Association, together with legislator José Coutinho on Friday afternoon.
“We cannot have too many non-resident workers taking locals’ jobs,” José Coutinho told reporters.
“Although the gaming industry has showed a decrease in revenue, it is still generating a profit. So far, by now, only one gaming operator has increased its employees’ salary, whilst the other five operators have not increased their workers’ salary yet, which is unfair,” he said.
“Over 15 years, the employees have sacrificed a lot in terms of the work scheduling shifts. According to one European report, it proves that 24-work shifts do the most damage to employees’ wellbeing. Without any compensation, it is very unfair from the very beginning,” he said.
Better training and retirement scheme urged
Mr. Lan from the Power of the Macau Gaming Association holds an optimistic view for the gaming sector in Macau and urged operators to increase the amount of training provided to the workers as well as job promotion opportunities.
“The Gaming Interim Review should closely observe the details of operations of the six gaming companies in terms of local worker promotion opportunities and internal transfer work opportunity within the companies,” Mr. Lan told reporters after attending the meeting.
In addition, the retirement system was discussed in the meeting. “While the Gaming Interim Review is in working progress and gaming revenue shifts, workers should not only rely upon the Social Security Fund. Casino companies offer Provident Funds to their employees but it will not be guaranteed once the workers are sacked,” Mr. Lan added.
He also revealed that Mr. Leong said the Gaming Mid-term Review would be adjusted accordingly, primarily looking into whether the six operators’ compliance with their contract is met, meanwhile adding relevant suggestions to the review if necessary.
