Police in Macau have charged five labor activists in connection with a street demonstration last month by croupiers and other front-line casino workers.
Ieong Man Teng, president of Forefront of Macau Gaming, Vice President Lei Kuok Keong, co-founder Cloee Chao and two others have been cited for “aggravated disobedience” for allegedly breaching a police cordon during a 25th August march led by the group to draw attention to its demands for pay raises and improvements in working conditions and promotions policies.
The protest was one of several organized this year by Forefront and other unofficial labor unions targeting the city’s six casino operators individually and collectively. The unrest reached a head on the eve of Chief Executive Chui Sai On’s re-election the end of last month when Forefront called a work slowdown and sick-out at SJM’s flagship, Grand Lisboa. It was the first job action ever taken against the company founded by casino tycoon Stanley Ho.
SJM has been the target of three separate protests by Forefront and other labor groups, which have asked for government involvement in moving forward negotiations with the company. It was after Forefront threatened to strike the Grand Lisboa during Golden Week that Mr Ieong, Ms Chao and the others were called in by police for questioning.
Golden Week, which commences 1st October, China’s National Day, is one of the busiest times of the year for gambling and tourism in Macau.
Ms Chao and the others deny breaking the law and say they feel intimidated. They also have expressed concern that police contacted members of their families.
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