CE meets FAOM’s future leaders

Chan Kam Meng

Sixteen members of the Macao Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) visited government headquarters yesterday morning to meet Chief Executive (CE) Chui Sai On and Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong.

The 16 current FAOM members will succeed the association’s outgoing leadership from February 9, becoming the 34th generation of leaders in the history of FAOM.

Future FAOM president Chan Kam Meng, when talking to the media, provided information about the topics that FAOM and the CE had discussed.

According to Chan, the group invited the CE to attend the 34th FAOM inauguration on February 9, in the hope that the CE’s presence would inspire them.

During the meeting, FAOM and Chui discussed labour training policies and the livelihood of the local community.

“We had a talk with the CE and with Secretary Leong,” said Chan, adding that the CE and the secretary are both pleased with the new FAOM leadership, and that they talked about how to serve FAOM amid the city’s economic diversification and adjustments to the conditions of the gaming industry. They also discussed how the association can meet members’ needs more efficiently.

Another topic under discussion was the Labor Affairs Bureau’s plan to launch a new policy regarding the city’s non- local workers, particularly non- professional workers and domestic helpers. The planned policy will require these workers to present an identification card when entering the territory.

“The plan should have advantages, mainly in protecting Macau’s local employees,” explained Chan, saying that a few extra regulations can be added to meet the conditions required by local employees.

In some cases, people that arrive in Macau as tourists end up becoming legal workers. Chan said that it is the responsibility of job agencies to help people confirm a job offer before they come to Macau.

During their meeting, Chan reminded the CE to pay attention to fostering local talent, as well as housing policies. 

Last year, several controversies arose involving local occupational drivers. Employers have been suggesting that the city open its market to non-local occupational drivers, a proposal which was met with much opposition from employees.

When asked whether the topic was discussed during the meeting, Chan said, “it was not particularly mentioned.”

However, he said both parties had agreed that Macau should carefully manage non-local employees’ policies, so as not to affect local employment.