The dispute between workers and the casinos in Macau is heating up with union leaders now claiming intimidation after being questioned by police and warned of possible charges as a result of their protests.
Three labor leaders including Cloee Chao, the co- founder of the Macau Gaming Industry Frontline Workers’ union say the police questioned them about allegations that they broke through police barricades during a demonstration on 25 August. They deny the claims.
Reports quote Chao as saying she feels intimidated. “It’s a warning and a threat to me.”
Macau authorities have evidence that protesters breached the cordon, police spokesman Wong Chi-wang told Bloomberg. Worker protests are rare in Macau, where gambling revenue is seven times greater than the Las Vegas Strip.
The workers group has held eight demonstrations this year, most recently on Sunday when several hundred employees demonstrated against SJM Holdings seeking higher pay and better conditions.
No charges have been laid and the union group is planning more protests.(macaunews/asiagamblingbrief)
