Macau Lawmaker Asks Gaming Ops for More Workforce Consideration

In a recent report, Macau lawmaker Leong Sun Iok and the country’s Federation of Trade Unions showed concern in connection to the mental and physical well-being and health of employees in the gaming industries. 

As per Macau news outlets, following these concerns, Leong is now asking the government to “promote the social responsibility of gaming companies in protecting employees” while also asking operators to show more consideration for their staff members. 

Job Training, Staff Hiring, and Improved Salaries, Among Suggestions 

On Leong’s list of suggestions, he included solutions like adapting to the new electronic trends embraced by the industry more and more frequently, offering on-the-job training, or hiring more personnel. 

His written inquiry to the government also mentioned suggestions regarding improved salaries and other work benefits that would boost employees’ morale while better safeguarding their well-being. 

These solutions would be used to fight against issues like manpower shortages, the stressful and physically fatiguing requirement to promote electronic gaming tables, and frequent job changes, among others. 

According to the same lawmaker, the perks of the country’s economic development were tied to the gaming employees’ dedication while explaining the constantly growing flow of customers has brought harassment problems upon staff members from sub-agents and money changers.

Strengthened Foreign Employee Recruitment Oversight 

Leong has also asked the government to improve supervision for foreign employee recruitment and renewal processes, using the example of the manager of leisure companies who asked for bribes from mainland residents looking for jobs in Macau.

Leong also wants to see more advantageous jobs and promising positions for locals, which would, in turn, optimize the employment environment and boost the proportion of mid to high-level employees.

Despite Macau’s economy gradually recovering, the consumer habit shifts noticed among both tourists and residents gave birth to an uneven development with operational challenges for a large number of businesses.

More foot traffic is necessary, believes Leong, who wants to see the recently launched “Weekend North District Consumption” scheme expanded as a means of stimulating foot traffic in more local areas.

Gaming operators’ current membership cards offered to customers enable them to redeem points in exchange for meal vouchers and different gifts at affiliated merchants.

An additional stimulus for the economy would be an extension of member points coupons and benefits to a more diversified array of merchants.

The list should include service providers, retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, according to the lawmaker. 

In June, Macau announced it would continue its road to diversification, away from gambling, by capitalizing on being designated a “City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO in 2017 by setting up public events highlighting its rich culinary scene.