The Macau SAR Standing Committee for the Co-ordination of Social Affairs (CPCS) has already received a draft proposal for a local union law to be placed under public consultation, the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance announced today (Tuesday).
This announcement opens a pathway for the possible legislation of the right and freedom to organize and participate in union associations and strikes, as enshrined on Article 27 of the Macau SAR Basic Law.
According to authorities, the bill cover matters such as a legal framework for union association registration also collective bargaining regime.
‘The Macau SAR Government used the laws of many countries and regions as a reference, in conjunction with the current social situation in Macau, suggesting that the union’s legal position should be established continuously and gradually, through specific legislation, regulating the composition and the functioning of union associations, as well as their rights and obligations,’ the Office of Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong noted.
The local legislative Assembly (AL) has so far rejected 11 union law bill proposals.
The most recent, presented by Macao Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) linked legislators Lei Chan U and Lam Lon Wai, was rejected on April 16 of this year, after the labour sector representatives themselves decided to withdraw their support after authorities indicated a bill should be advanced by the government itself.
Recent bills backed by legislators Jose Pereira Coutinho and Sulu Sou have also been submitted recently.
Previously Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong indicated that a trade union law would go forward but that it should be the Macau government to introduce it.
This month Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng has indicated that legislative works for a union law draft bill would be conducted and submitted as soon as possible to the CPCS and then to public consultation.
