After noting the surprising recovery in the Macau gaming industry, lawmaker Leong Sun Iok, a representative from Labor Union, calls for a salary increase for gaming employees.
Speaking to local media, the Macau Federation of Trade Unions vice president says that the July GGR has increased over 4000 percent yearly, breaking the new record in the post-COVID period.
Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) grew by 9.6 percent month-on-month to MOP$16.66 billion ($2.07 billion) in July.
Leong recalls that the number of visitor arrivals in Macau has decreased significantly due to COVID, and the gaming and tourism industry has been struggling, during which many employees have lost their jobs. Many employees of gaming companies have agreed to cut salaries, freeze salaries, or accept unpaid leave.
After easing all travel restrictions, the number of tourists in Macau has increased sharply. Gaming employees have to endure overtime work due to the labor shortage.
Under these circumstances, Leong believes that gaming employees deserve a pay rise, saying it’s time to let gaming employees ‘share the economic growth fruit’.
According to information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), the number of people employed in Gaming & Junket Activities in Macau rose to 68,500 in 2Q23, up 2,100 from 1Q23 but down 18,600 compared to the same quarter in 2019.
Those engaged in Gaming & Junket Activities earned MOP20,000 ($2,500) in 2Q23.
