Macao (RAE - China) - Lack of union law has crucial impact (2010)

A proposed trade union law drafted by unionist and legislator Jose Pereira Coutinho failed to gain support in 2009 for the third time. The outcome was not surprising given the lack of independent legislators in the legislative body. Still, the failure of Macau to have a law governing trade unions has very negative effects for workers, who are often unaware of the role of trade unions and unable to get information at their workplace. Most workers with disputes have to present complaints to the Labour Bureau or attempt to speak to the employer alone. Both the Bureau and the workers have little negotiating power with employers, who generally ignore the complaints and complainants. In some cases, the Labour Bureau will try to deter complainants.