Lawmaker worries over satellite workers’ prospects amid SMEs’ deteriorating business environment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are warning of a deteriorating business environment, stating that the region has “lost competitiveness” largely due to the slowdown in the gaming market.
Lawmaker José Maria Pereira Coutinho expressed concerns over the city’s diminishing competitiveness, citing a “wave of bankruptcies” as one of the most pressing issues.

“The current situation is deeply concerning,” Coutinho said in a statement to the press.

“The slowdown in the gaming industry has created a domino effect, impacting not just casinos but businesses that rely on the sector. We need effective measures to improve the business environment and strengthen the fight against corrupt practices.”

One of the most immediate concerns remains the employment crisis among satellite casino workers.

In the statement, the lawmaker recalled that in October 2024, the association had formally inquired about the fate of thousands of employees who lost their jobs due to the closure of satellite casinos, which also had a significant impact on surrounding businesses.

In response, the director of the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) assured that the government remained “attentive to the possible impact on workers resulting from changes in company activities.”

“We have made available various support measures, including consultations on employment rights, career advice, vocational training information, and job application assistance,” the DSAL director noted in a written statement on November 21, 2024.

“Additionally, we continue to organize pairing sessions with integrated tourism and leisure companies to help job seekers reintegrate into the labor market.”
Despite these assurances, many affected workers remain uncertain about their future.

There are growing concerns over employees being reassigned to roles that may not suit their physical abilities or skill sets, such as hotel housekeeping, security, or catering. Coutinho has called for more concrete measures to ensure these workers are placed in suitable employment without long periods of joblessness.

Coutinho is urging the government to amend current unemployment benefit legislation, extending the eligibility period from 90 to 360 days to provide better financial security for displaced workers.

“Both young and middle-aged employees are facing significant employment difficulties,” the lawmaker emphasized. “An extension of unemployment benefits is necessary to prevent a worsening social crisis.”
Another issue under scrutiny is the disparity in benefits between different sectors.

Cleaning, security, and construction workers employed by some casino concessionaires currently have access to an early retirement program, enabling them to spend more time with their families.

Calls have been made for this program to be extended to casino workers, including croupiers, who face similar working conditions.
Additionally, labor representatives are advocating for improved shift and night allowances, as well as a more humane scheduling system to combat stress, burnout, and health issues such as insomnia and cardiovascular diseases.

“The well-being of workers should be a priority,” said the lawmaker. “We need better working conditions in casinos, where employees often face long and irregular hours. The government should take action to ensure shift work environments are healthier and more sustainable.”

Beyond the gaming sector, the rising number of non-resident workers (TNRs) has also drawn scrutiny.

In 2009, Macau had 75,000 non-resident workers; by 2024, this number had surged to nearly 221,000—a staggering increase of 180%.

Questions have been raised about how this rise has affected employment opportunities for local workers and whether stricter supervision and penalties should be implemented to ensure non-resident employees only perform the jobs for which they were originally hired.

“So, what are the main reasons for this increase, and what impact has it had on the reduction of local workers? What concrete measures will be implemented to reduce the high number of TNRs and improve the supervision of TNRs who perform functions other than those for which they were authorized to work in the SAR?” Coutinho questioned.

For the lawmaker, the increase in non-resident workers has undoubtedly influenced the job market.
“We need to understand the reasons behind this surge and ensure that local workers are not being displaced.

Additionally, oversight needs to improve to prevent violations, particularly in sectors like transportation, where non-resident drivers are often found operating heavy vehicles without proper authorization,” he added. Staff Reporter