Adjustment to mandatory holidays must align with economic, social development: DSAL

Considering that the number of mandatory holidays in Macau has consistently been set at 10 days each year, a labor group has urged the local government to seek public input on the issue, while the government has stated that such decisions should reflect Macau’s historical and cultural context, as well as its economic and social development.

The mandatory public holidays have remained unchanged since 2009, except in 2015, when one additional holiday was added, according to the Labour Affairs Bureau’s (DSAL) website.

In contrast, neighboring regions like Hong Kong have revised their regulations starting in 2021, increasing the number of statutory holidays from 12 to 17, with an additional day added every two years beginning in 2022.

Similarly, mainland China adjusted its statutory public holidays on Jan. 1, 2023, raising the total from 11 to 13 days, with one extra day each for the Lunar New Year Festival and Labor Day.

Public broadcaster TDM reported on this development earlier this week, posing the question to both the Macao Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) and the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) about whether Macau might reconsider its mandatory public holiday policy.

Kelvin Choi, a representative from the FAOM, told TDM that Macau has the conditions to increase the number of mandatory holidays.

“We believe that currently, both mandatory government holidays and bank holidays – including major festivals like Christmas and Easter – should also be increased appropriately under certain conditions.”

As reported, he pointed out the need to adjust mandatory holidays appropriately, stating that the government must balance the interests of both employers and employees.

“While working people generally welcome an increase in holidays, it is essential to also consider the overall economic environment and implement changes accordingly.”

According to the DSAL’s website, the mandatory public holiday of 10 days will remain in effect at least until 2029.

Reviewing past news records, a labor group marched as early as 2018, demanding that the government add two mandatory Christmas holidays to increase the total number to 12.

At that time, it was also noted that Macau had not increased the number of mandatory holidays in nearly 30 years.

The mandatory public holidays in Macau, which are paid holidays, comprise New Year’s Day, three days for the Lunar New Year, Qingming Festival, May Day, the day following the Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day on Oct. 1, Double Ninth Festival, and the anniversary of Macau’s return to Chinese sovereignty on Dec. 20.

In response to inquiries from TDM, the DSAL stated that when determining mandatory holidays, it is essential to consider Macau’s historical, cultural, economic and social contexts.

It noted that while the current law stipulates 10 mandatory holidays, employers have the option to negotiate better working conditions with their employees, as permitted by the Labor Relations Law.

However, the authorities stressed their commitment to actively listen to the opinions and suggestions of all sectors of society and to take appropriate measures in a timely manner to balance the interests of both employers and employees.