Macao (RAE - China) - Employers’ power (2010)

It is common practice in Macau for workers not to have formal employment contracts with their employers. The power of employers to unilaterally change the wages and working conditions of employees or to terminate employment (equivalent to dismissal) is therefore unchecked. In the context of this excessive employer power and with no legal-institutional framework for collective bargaining or even employment contracts, workers are easily victimised and discriminated against for their union activities. The use of temporary contracts has been increasing, making workers even more vulnerable to abuse and intimidation.