Unions call for stronger government action against illegal employment

The Macau Federation of Transportation and the Macao Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) recently raised concerns with the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) surrounding issues of illegal employment and the use of cross-border drivers in the city’s transportation industry.

Both parties called for stronger government supervision and harsher penalties within the industry.

During their meeting, they highlighted the issue of illegal workers in freight and logistics as undercutting local drivers’ job opportunities and depressing wages.

Cheang Pak Chan, president of the transportation federation, explained that heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus drivers suspected of overworking are often only caught after traffic accidents occur, urging authorities to improve law enforcement.

Meanwhile, Lawmaker Ella Lei echoed similar concerns regarding the difficulties of monitoring a highly mobile workforce.

She advocated for enhanced interdepartmental cooperation, increased penalties for illegal hiring practices, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.

A suggested mechanism was proposed by the transportation federation president, who called for the establishment of anonymous reporting channels to protect whistleblowers within the industry.

Meanwhile, transportation federation chairperson Cheang Wa Cheong acknowledged the negative effects on wages and public order.

To encourage more local talent to operate buses, Cheang called for expanding vocational training programs for individuals holding Category D driving licenses.

DSAL deputy director Chan Chon U expressed appreciation for the unions’ input, according to the unions’ report.

Chan pledged to optimize inspection strategies, encourage detailed reporting from the public, including license plate and location information, and continue collaborative efforts to combat illegal employment.

The DSAL official also noted that over 500 inspections were conducted last year.

Lawmaker Lei has long called for the government to take stronger action against a troubling rise in illegal employment of non-resident workers, including cross-border truck drivers and unauthorized photography services.

Stressing that such illicit employment undermines local businesses and resident workers, Lei warned it could also lead to “other security problems.”

The deputy urged the government to increase monitoring and inspection of these “hotspots” of illegal work and consider revising the law to impose more severe penalties.