The Labor Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has called on Macau’s gaming regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), to require operators to suspend operations of some gaming tables in the event of tropical cyclone warning signal 8 or higher being hoisted.
The two bodies met on Friday at the invitation of the Macao Federation of Trade Unions, where the fair treatment of workers during adverse weather conditions was the hot topic in the wake of Typhoon Hato and Typhoon Pakhar, which devastated Macau late last month.
DSAL also wants workers given sufficient time to arrive at work after a signal 8 warning has been downgraded, sufficient rest time for those working through extraordinary conditions and appropriate compensation paid for work outside of normal hours or conditions.
Typhoon Hato, which struck Macau on Wednesday 23 August, was the worst storm to hit the city in 53 years and the first typhoon warning signal 10 since liberalization back in 1999. The signal 8 Typhoon Pakhar followed four days later.
The aftermath saw some of Macau’s gaming operators come under fire for their treatment of workers during the aftermath of the storms, with Galaxy Entertainment Group the target of a remarkable social media backlash that saw it accused of forcing employees to work while signal 8 was hoisted and placing clean-up of its Grand Resort Pool Deck ahead of relief efforts in the city.
Galaxy has denied the accusations which Inside Asian Gaming understands are largely unfounded.
In a statement, the DICJ said it “urged the gaming companies to provide humane-based treatment to staff who had justified absences due to the Typhoon (Hato) on 23 August.”
“The DICJ stresses that the preservation of public order and the safety of people within casinos is the main object of its function inside gaming premises,” it added.
“The DICJ will pay close attention on the safety of the workers’ travel during and after work, working arrangements, rest and family needs in the event of a typhoon. In addition, the on-site staff of the DICJ will continue to keep an eye on all gambling activities inside the casinos to ensure safety and order.”
The Macao Federation of Trade Unions also suggested on Friday that employers, workers and the government should strengthen communication to avoid labor conflicts resulting from tropical storms or major accidents in the future.
DICJ Director Paulo Martins Chan responded to requests for gaming operations to be suspended by noting that, under Macau law, operators are required to maintain gaming activities. However, he said that some gaming activities may be suspended in exceptional circumstances.
DSAL Director Wong Chi Hong said he was “very attentive and attached great importance to issues related to working conditions and occupational safety and health of workers,” and urged employers to adjust work scheduling for workers during future typhoons. He also called on workers to pay close attention to occupational health and safety procedures both on-site and while travelling to and from work.
