The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Francis Tam, today (3 July) emphasized that the government would defend the lawful rights of employees.

In response to the recent dispute between Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (SJM), and its employees concerning the terms of the new contracts, Mr. Tam said that the government would look into the case seriously and would protect the employees under the law.

Mr. Tam added that the Labour and Employment Affairs Bureau was analyzing the new contracts provided by SJM, and would take action if there were any conditions which were contrary to the labour laws.

He believed that there was room for negotiation between SJM and its employees. He added that the government would try to reconcile the two parties.