Staff of Macau gambling empire SJM vow to walk out in battle for higher pay

Staff of one of Macau's biggest gaming operators are threatening to walk out on Saturday if casino bosses don't respond to their demands for higher wages and better working conditions.

More than 130 staff from SJM - owned by Macau gambling kingpin Stanley Ho Hung-sun - complained to the city's Labour Affairs Bureau on Friday about restrictions on sick leave and arrangements during typhoons. They also demanded higher wages and more benefits.

"SJM dealers' salaries range between 16,000 and 19,000 patacas [per month]. They are looking to get something around 19,000 to 21,000," said Ieong Man-teng, president of the Forefront of Macau Gaming union.

Several employees told the meeting with labour officials that the company had imposed restrictions on sick leave by only accepting certain types of medical certificate. Macau labour laws state that an employee who has completed their probationary period is entitled to six paid days of sick leave every year.

"The government and SJM are going to meet on Wednesday. If they don't satisfy our requests, SJM workers will go on strike again and we will protest," Ieong said.

SJM Holdings did not respond to inquiries from the Post.

Casino staff from six gambling operators in the city have taken to the streets in recent months over pay and conditions. About 1,000 SJM workers protested last month.