Macau to provide assistance to Suncity employees

Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) will provide consultation on labour rights to Suncity workers who have been affected by the closure of the company’s VIP rooms.

Macau.- The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) is to open a special counter to assist employees affected by the closure of Suncity’s VIP rooms. According to local media reports, Suncity issued a memo late on Friday announcing it can no longer operate as casino operators have ended their partnerships with the junket operator.

Suncity closed all of its VIP rooms following the arrest of Alvin Chau Cheok Wa on cross-border gambling and money laundering accusations. As the company’s systems and accounts were frozen during the investigation, employees have not yet received their November salaries.

The dedicated counter the DSAL will provide labour rights consultation and registration support services for relevant workers. It will also supply job registration services and vocational training information. As of noon today, DSAL had received 39 consultation registrations, complaints mainly related to wages, dismissal compensation and holidays, and 200 people had made an online appointment.

Macau Business said authorities had registered employment for five Suncity employees, and all Suncity employees have applied for unemployment benefits. Some nine people asked about employment training courses, and five applied for subsidised training.

Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) and DSAL had previously said that current laws protect the rights of employees working in VIP rooms promoted by junkets. However, the statement said that those who have been hired by junket operators must safeguard their labour rights by themselves.

SJM Holdings and Galaxy to continue working with junket operators

Last week, two Macau casino operators said they would continue working with junket operators, at least for now. Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao reported that Ambrose So, SJM’s CEO and Deputy Chairman, confirmed the casino operator will maintain the VIP room business operated by junkets at least for the duration of existing contractors. 

However, it remains to be seen if the company will continue working with junkets once the cooperation contracts come up for renewal.

Angela Leong On Kei, SJM Holdings co-chairman and executive director, said during an interview with the city’s public broadcaster TDM: “We have not made any agreements with the junkets’ VIP rooms regarding ending collaboration.” Meanwhile, Galaxy Entertainment Group, has said it also intends to continue with current cooperation contracts despite recent news.