24,000 earn less than MOP8,000 | Possible cash handout cutback worries grassroots workers
Up to 24,000 local employees’ monthly income does not reach MOP8,000, said the Secretary-general of the Macao Federation of Trade Unions Kong Ioi Fai at TDM’s weekly forum yesterday morning, in which a majority of participants voiced their concerns over the possible reduction of the government’s cash handout next year.
During the one-hour forum, Kong stressed the importance of the annual subsidy to most grassroots laborers in the city, most of whom struggle to make a decent living.
The latest data from the Statistics and Census Service shows that the overall median monthly employment earnings in the first quarter of the year stood at MOP15,000.
One female citizen suggested in the sharing session that the government could possibly lay out a “concrete mechanism” so that “local citizens would not have to make wild guesses” over how much would be distributed every year.
The president of Macao Civic Power Agnes Lam reckoned the scheme could be revamped to serve a particular group of people in need.
“The name of the cash sharing [scheme] is like a spell that prevents us from thinking of how to better use the money. It’s not necessary to do away with the scheme. Instead, [let’s] think of who should be given the limited money. We could consider [the form of] dependence allowance that entitles university students to the grants for their study,” advised Lam.
As most citizens on the forum expressed their disapproval about the possibly shrinking amount, Sulu Sou, head of the New Macau Association, criticized the SAR government for lavishing huge sums of public funds on festive functions, as well as its tendency to grant more to local large-scale groups. Staff reporter
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I would like to take these issues from the top. Many more work for less than MOP8000, perhaps that is all they are worth. I know for a fact that my neighbour works as a Janitor at a School and takes home less than that.
What is the Big Deal here? I want my Bosses to pay me more, who doesn’t?
I am sure some work behind a desk from 9-5 pm and struggles to make ends meet, and to bring food to the table, did anyone mention this? Just how many more of us are going through hardships, the data failed to say?
Just how accurate is the Data? MOP15,000 compared with the same period 12 months earlier.
My responds to the one Female Citizen: We don’t want to second or make wild guesses, but how do you predict the actual MOP Amount to be given in the coming year(s)?
Much would depend on the Activities at the Casinos Tables, Agree? I dine at a Casino’s 3rd. floor Food Court
ever so often, like 5 times a week, at 9:00 pm, onward, if you care to go by to have a check-out, its dead quiet
these days.
I don’t quite understand Ms. Agnes Lam’s revamp, just how does she plan to assist the neediest and the not so in need?
Next: UM & Students Grant
I am not familiar with the grant, just how does one qualify for one? At my school days you only get a grant with triple “A”s and your parents can not afford to see you through University.
Not so long ago, I was reading something about a Donation in the tune of millions to the UM, let me know if I am wrong?
The Students are pretty much taken care of, as far as getting a loan or grant. .
I am well aware of unpaid student loans.
Don’t even think of a lessen Hand-out you have all the ingredients for a “Riot”
Another thing that I would like to add in my two bits, what is there to stop a 21 yrs. old from getting these 8000 more or less and recycle these funds at the Casinos, Internet Betting on Football (Soccer) and so on?
Or worst still going across the Border for Shots and Soft Drugs, did anyone think of this?
So, once the cash is handed out there is no control, is there?
Who are these Particular Group of People in need and Local Large-scale Groups?
By the way, this format for comments is user unfriendly. Only because you can’t see what you are typing, letters too small and having to move up & down repeatedly.
And not being able to have a copy made for our own records, I believe in going green, Environmentally Friendly, if we could just push a button and “save” it would be great.
Having an Independent e-mail address for Feedback, Praise, Comments and Complaints is the best.
Have a good week.