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Raquel Carvalho

Macau casino croupiers yesterday began an unprecedented campaign of industrial action for better working conditions - the first such move in the former Portuguese enclave's history.
It came as 200 people took to the streets to protest against soaring house prices, as an increasingly restive city prepared for Fernando Chui Sai-on's re-election as leader running unopposed for a second term today.
Yesterday's action by the casino workers - which included a refusal to work overtime - could hint at some of the problems that Chui might face in his second term. The gaming floor discontent sent a ripple through the industry, causing casino stocks to fall going into the weekend.
It follows a demonstration last week by about 1,400 casino workers, who marched through the city to demand better conditions, and comes in the wake of a series of public protests in recent months.
Today a Sunday Morning Post investigation reveals that behind the glitzy, ultra-modern facade of the new Macau, lies a deeply conservative and entrenched power structure.

An exhaustive search of Macau's company and land registry records has not only confirmed the unassuming, publicity-shy Chui as a political front-man for one of the most powerful families in Macau; it has also revealed a web of business, political and societal connections that pose questions about the future of the city as it enters a new phase in its development.
In spite of the increasing social tensions that Chui had to face in his first term, his re-election as chief executive of China's only other special administrative region is in no doubt.
"The current political system is made to maintain in power those from the oligarchy," said António Katchi, a legal expert and professor of public administration at the Macau Polytechnic Institute.
Social affairs commentator Leung Kai-yin said: "Chui Sai-on's election benefits not only himself, but also his family and the other traditional families."
A 400-member committee will select the chief executive today, and - in spite of demands from democrats - there are no guarantees that universal suffrage will be implemented by 2019.


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Macau

Macau casino workers start industrial action to push for higher pay

Workers from Macau's six major casinos, led by union "Forefront of Macau Gaming", chant slogans as they march past SJM-owned Casino Lisboa on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Gaming workers protest in front of Starworld, operated by Galaxy Entertainment Group during the largest casino demonstration so far this year, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Ties between Chui family and Macau's business elite grow stronger

Macau's web of power

Workers from Macau casinos protest for higher wages. Photo: Reuters

News

China

Macau casino croupiers began an unprecedented campaign of industrial action for better working conditions - the first such move in the former Portuguese enclave's history.
