LABOR RIGHTS | ‘New Trade Union Law Alliance’ formed

17 local groups chiefly from the gaming and architectural sectors united in a newly founded group known as the “New Trade Union Law Alliance”, with the unanimous aim of making a trade union law possible in the city.
They attempted to press the government to bring a bill to the legislative assembly for discussion following the recent defeat of lawmaker Pereira Coutinho’s draft bill, which has suffered six consecutive defeats in the past.
Representatives from each group participated in the discussion held on Saturday, which sought to collect more public opinions to better the draft.
“After we have submitted the appeals to companies, it all depends on whether the companies agree with the appeals or not. And we have no place to bargain with them. If we have no discussions, then we can only continue taking to the streets and this is not good for society,” said Ieong Man Teng, one of the members at the alliance, which excluded political activist Sulu Sou’s New Macau Association.
With the introduction of a law, the group said that local employees would possess more bargaining power over their employers.