Non-English speakers signed contracts in English
A number of Galaxy Entertainment Group workers gathered at the Macau Labor Affairs Bureau on March 2 to submit a petition regarding suspected unfair treatment by the local gaming operator.
The workers were led by Cloee Chao, president of the New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association. Chao claimed that Galaxy required four workers aged 60 years and older to resign “voluntarily,” though the non-English-speaking employees were compelled to sign contracts in English and they apparently forfeited part of expected compensation during the transactions.
“The workers don’t know English,” said Chao. “And the company explained to them that by signing the contract they understand the content of resigning voluntarily.”
According to the Macau News Agency, the workers felt shortchanged because they were not compensated for voluntarily resigning. Chao said workers who refused to resign were forced to have their contract renewed on a yearly basis.
Union Vice President Lei Man Chao said the cases are not isolated, and that some 40 workers have complained about similar exits. Lei said the majority of the affected workers are engaged in fields such as security and logistics.
One worker said he received MOP100,000 (US$12,400) less than he expected after he resigned.
There is no mandatory retirement age for workers in Macau. In a statement to GGRAsia, Galaxy Entertainment denied discriminating against older staff.
“Galaxy Entertainment stresses that we value team members as the most important assets and strictly abide by the Labor Relations Law of the Macau SAR Government,” the statement said. “Meanwhile, for team members who are 60 years old or above and have chosen to stay with GEG, their length of service has been counted.” The casino operator said it was reviewing its benefit policy “in order to enhance employee protection” and would make adjustments as needed.
“Before the separation of an employee, our human resources specialists will explain the terms and conditions of the related documents in the employee’s common language,” the company added.
