Macau Legend discloses plans to ‘adjust’ 16% worker placements

The parent company of the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf will see “adjustments” in 16% of its workforce due to the over 20% drop in revenue, a company executive disclosed yesterday.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event, Melinda Chan, executive director and CEO of Macau Legend Development Limited, owner and operator of the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, told the press that the company has suffered at least a one-fifth drop in its revenue.

She hinted that this meant a “career adjustment” across its workforce would be needed, according to public broadcaster TDM.

Local people will account for about 55% in the general adjustment.

Chan insisted that the adjustment is “normal” or justifiable because the company “has the current workforce placement on the grounds of Macau having 30 million tourists each year.”

She added that the company would “simplify its structure and restructure its business.” Business strategies will also be reformulated to cope with the future, she said.

“But I don’t think the departure of our workers will be permanent,” she said. “Not even our workers will think so.”

The local government, usually represented by the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL), has reiterated its aim to retain local workers. If, in the worst case, layoffs are needed, employers should try their best to retain their local workforces.

Chan also spoke about Macau Legend’s partnership with SJM Resorts, S.A. The latter is a casino licensee and operates the casinos in the Fisherman’s Wharf.

All casino licenses have been extended to the end of this year. A re-license process is underway with the review of the Gambling Law being the current topic.

Chan explained that the future of the partnership will only be determined after the re-license process concludes. Whether or not SJM is relicensed will affect the existence of the partnership, Chan hinted.