A Macau court recently held in favor of non-resident Filipino workers who brought claims for unpaid wages against a cleaning service provider. The landmark ruling — finding the employer liable for multiple labor violations — sets significant precedent for safeguarding migrant workers’ rights in Macau, China. Here’s what you need to know about the ruling, which aligns with the growing trend in Asia to safeguard migrant workers’ rights.
Migrant Workers Claim Wages Were Withheld
Tai Koo Cleaning Service Company (TKCSC) provides cleaning services to various clients in Macau, including hotels, casinos, and other private companies. According to the workers who sued, TKCSC normally pays its employees minimum wage, which is MOP $32 (about $4 USD) per hour or $1,536 MOP ($191 USD) per week. However, in 2022, TKCSC allegedly withheld wages from several non-resident migrant workers, which the workers argued was a violation of Macau labor relations laws. Some employees argued that they endured months of no wages despite having worked — sometimes without days off.
Specifically, the 35 non-resident Filipino workers who filed complaints with Macau’s Labor Affairs Bureau (DSAL) alleged that TKCSC withheld their wages for three months. The DSAL — which is responsible for assisting in the formulation and implementation of policies on employment, labor, occupational safety and health, and vocational training — attempted to mediate the dispute. However, TKCSC offered to pay the aggrieved...
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