Macau lawmakers concerned over reassignment of satellite casino workers
Lawmakers doubt casino operators have the capacity to absorb the more than 5,000 workers.
Macau.- Some members of Macau’s Legislative Assembly have expressed concerns about the reassignment of around 5,600 workers who may lose their jobs with the closure of satellite casinos in the city. Lawmaker Ella Lei said workers worry there may not be enough jobs and that government must ensure gaming companies with openings prioritise hiring the workers affected.
According to Macau Business, lawmaker Ron Lam said called for a reduction in the number of non-resident workers (NRWs) hired by casino operators to protect local jobs. He said: “Given the current unsatisfactory employment situation in Macau, it is highly doubtful that the gaming concessionaires have the capacity to absorb more than 5,000 workers.”
“Given that gaming operators employ a large number of NRWs and outsource long-term services to hire local workers on a part-time basis, it is impossible for the public to believe that the gaming operators are willing to offer proper and stable jobs to those affected by the closure of satellite casinos.
On Thursday (June 10), the government announced it had received notifications from SJM Resorts, Melco Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment Group that 11 satellite casinos would close by the end of the year.
The casinos are: SJM’s Casino Grandview, Casino Legend Palace, Casino Fortuna, Casino Landmark, Casino Ponte 16, Casino Le Royal Arc, Casino Emperor Palace, Casino Kam Pek Paradise and Casino Casa Real; Melco’s Casino Grand Dragon and Galaxy’s Casino Waldo.
According to the government, the three gaming concessionaires have agreed to adequately compensate employees affected and the Labour Affairs Bureau will monitor the situation to ensure that their rights and interests are met.
Macau’s unemployment rate was 1.9 per cent in the first quarter of the year, while the unemployment rate for residents was 2.5 per cent. Both showed a slight rise from the previous quarter.
