Macau: union calls for gov. intervention over bonuses

The union also wants the government to review its decision to drop contributions to the Non-mandatory Central Provident Fund next year.

Macau.- The New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association is calling on the Macau SAR government to intervene to protect workers’ income.

In a letter to Macau’s chief executive, Ho Iat Seng has asked the government to intercede with gambling operators to ensure they pay the usual end-of-year bonus, equivalent to one month’s salary.

The letter argues that with gross gaming revenues beginning to recover along with the increase in visitation from the mainland, employees who have been taking a mix of paid and unpaid leave should still receive their summer bonuses.

It argues: “The six biggest gambling companies have made huge profits over the years, and the more profits they make, the more responsibilities they have to take on, so they should be considered more responsible for promoting Macau’s economic recovery and maintaining social stability.”

The association has also called on the government to reconsider its decision not to inject MOP7,000 (US$ 876.5) per worker into the Non-mandatory Central Provident Fund System next year.

It said: “Even the government’s budget is in the red this year, which shows that the impact of the epidemic on the families of ordinary citizens is even greater.”