Labor group Forefront of Macau Gaming has followed up a July demonstration outside The Venetian Macao with a similar end-of-the-month protest at the main offices of Galaxy Entertainment Group, which the union accuses of pay inequities.
FMG said more than 500 people joined the rally, which was capped by the delivery of a petition to Galaxy representatives.
“The salary level of GEG has always been low and the dissatisfaction of its staff members has existed for quite some time,” said Forefront President Ieong Man Teng. “They have profited so much, but still cannot provide a level of salary and benefit that can keep up with inflation.”
Forefront’s demands include a wage-by-age system tied to time on the job and annual bonuses equal to two months’ salary. The group also wants a starting salary of MOP23,000 for pit supervisors and MOP33,000 for pit managers and has requested a meeting between Galaxy management and rank-and-file workers. If Galaxy does not agree to the meeting, Ieong said Forefront would stage a protest at the city’s Labour Affairs Bureau.
Galaxy Vice President of Public Relations Buddy Lam said the company “regrets and is deeply concerned regarding the event that took place.”
GEG “constantly maintains an open communication channel with its team members to encourage resolving problems with a tolerant and appropriate attitude,” he said, adding that the company will address the questions “that were brought forward with the team members directly.” He said he was confident they could be resolved internally.
