FMG stages protest against SJM

The Forefront of Macau Gaming (FMG) again rallied in protest yesterday afternoon to demand better compensation and benefits for its members. This time they gathered outside the building that houses the human resources department of local casino operator Sociedade de Jogos de Macau S.A. (SJM).
The protestors gathered at the entrance of the building, chanting phrases like “raise salaries”. Some of them then walked into the building and handed their individual letters to SJM. A letter prepared by FMG was also handed to a representative of the casino operator.
Some of the protestors claimed that SJM had promised to lift their salaries if the company performed well. They accused their employer of failing to fulfill its promise.
“When there was bird flu, they said there would be no wage increase [at that time]. Now that they are making money, why don’t they give us a bonus? [SJM] has owed us a bonus for many years,” a demonstrator said.
Another protestor also said that he holds out little hope towards SJM.
FMG president Ieong Man Teng said that after the protests against Sands China and Galaxy Entertainment Group, the casino’s employees realized that they could come out and rally to express their opinions to their companies.
“That’s why there are so many people coming to the SJM HR department, hoping that the company will accept their views,” Mr Ieong said.
He also claimed that the salaries of SJM employees have never been aligned with market rates. He hopes that the casino operator can increase its employees’ wages by around 10 percent, as well as improving promotion and leave policies and practices.
The SJM representative who received the letters from the protestors and FMG affirmed that he would be passing on the requests of the demonstrators to the company.
FMG claimed that there were 1,500 people at the demonstration and warned that they will take further action if SJM does not respond within three days. JPL