Unions say rule on local croupiers should be law

The Macau Federation of Trade Unions is demanding that the ban on migrant labour working as croupiers becomes law to prevent the public being “panicked by rumours”. Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On said the government was willing to study the demand by union leader Lam Heong Sang. The federation’s demand follows Mr Chui’s comments last week that he would only allow “locals” to be employed as croupiers during his term. Trade unions are apparently alarmed that Mr Chui’s statement does not bind future chief executives to his commitment. Their alarm led to a demonstration last Tuesday attended, the police say, by 1,400 people. Mr Chui said yesterday the six casino operators would be asked to offer better training to croupiers to improve their chances of promotion.