After last week saw employees at its MGM Macau property stage a demonstration concerning the amount of a one-off pay bonus, MGM China Holdings Limited is now reportedly facing calls to investigate the impact new table games technology may be having on workers. According to a report from Asia Gaming Brief, Hong Kong-listed MGM China Holdings Limited, which is a subsidiary of American casino giant MGM Resorts International, was handed a petition last week imploring the company to study the possible health risks associated with the running of its Casino Chip Attribution System. The appeal purportedly claims that numerous members of staff may have been exposed to ‘unknown electrical technology use’ that has left them feeling unwell with some even claiming respiratory distress.
Around 2,000 workers from MGM China staged a protest on Monday over pay inequality, bonuses and working conditions, local media reports. The protesters, which included croupiers, security guards and food and beverage workers, accused their employer of denying them a pay rise despite increased revenue, and have complained of an “unfair” bonus policy. Organizer of the protest, New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association said that the bonuses awarded to senior executives was far better compared to frontline workers. According to the claims, shift managers and senior managers have been entitled to a bonus of three months’ salary, while frontline workers have only been entitled to a bonus equal to one month’s salary. The protesters have demanded the casino operator pay them a bonus equivalent to two month’s salary, every year. The group has also claimed substandard working conditions, with some saying they have been forced to work at new electronic baccarat tables which have caused headaches, dizziness and nausea.
The petition is reportedly the work of the New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association while its President, Cloee Chao, purportedly declared that the group previously raised concerns over the Casino Chip Attribution System technology but had yet to receive a response from MGM China Holdings Limited, which is planning to inaugurate its $3.46 billion MGM Cotai integrated casino resort later this month. “They have already exhausted many ways to raise the issue with their company but this new casino still adopts those problematic tables despite previous calls,” Chao reportedly told Asia Gaming Brief. “They also thought they would receive all overdue bonuses as encouragement when the new casino opened but they still haven’t heard from their employer so far.”
Chao reportedly stated that the continued silence of MGM China Holdings Limited could see her group organize ‘further action’ encompassing more sit-ins alongside ‘some industrial action to protest further’.
