A member of the Macau Legislative Assembly (AL) claims to have received a large number of requests for assistance from employees of the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) stating that the sudden closure of the Club has affected their livelihood.
The Macau government revealed earlier this month that it would terminate its contract with the MJC effective 1 April 2024 and would not resume horse racing activities in the future. However, it said the MJC has promised to handle the rights and interests of its 254 local staff in accordance with the law.
AL member José Maria Pereira Coutinho this week raised a written interpellation claiming he has received a large number of requests for assistance from Jockey Club employees. Coutinho wrote, “Without the knowledge of the majority of the employees, and without consulting the various associations representing the rights and interests of the employees, the SAR Government has suddenly announced that the two parties have agreed to terminate the franchise contract.
“Most of these requests for assistance are related to the sudden closure of the grantee company which has caused them to lose their jobs, uncertainty about their future, and the impact on their families.”
The Director of the Macau Labor Affairs Bureau, Wong Chi Hong, stated during the government’s 15 January press conference that “the shareholders of the MJC have indicated that other companies of the shareholders are willing to take on the employees concerned and make career referrals for them.”
However, IAG interviewed some MJC staff on race day last week, with many confirming they are worried about the future.
“I don’t think I will be successful in getting a referral to another company,” one said.
Coutinho asked the government, “What specific measures has the government taken to protect the jobs of the 570 employees (local and foreign staff) employed by the concessionaire as well as the survival of their families?”
MJC was awarded a 24-year contract by the SAR government in 2018, but with conditions attached requiring it to make signficant investments, including the development of two hotels to be completed by 31 December 2026, plus two apartment buildings and a tennis court.
Coutinho noted that termination of MJC’s concession essentially absolves the MJC of its obligation to fulfill the MOP$1.25 billion (US$155 million) investment commitment and there is no requirement for it to pay any compensation for this. He queried “whether the public interest has been compromised by not having to pay any compensation and what the government’s reasons are for not requiring any form of compensation.”
IAG has made enquiries with the MJC on some of the above issues relating to staffing arrangements and the non-requirement for compensation to the government.
