The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has said that it will start accepting applications to form a trade union, or existing associations’ applications to register as an officially recognised trade union in January next year.
DSAL officials made the remarks during a press conference on Friday when announcing a newly drawn-up administrative regulation ensuring the full implementation of Macau’s first-ever trade union law, which will take effect on March 31 next year.
Government-drafted administrative regulations, informally known as by-laws, do not require the legislature’s approval.
The city’s first-ever trade union bill was passed by the legislature in its second and final reading in April this year. While the new trade union law and the newly drawn-up administrative regulation will take effect on March 31 next year, their respective rules on the government’s registration process for trade unions will first come into force on January 1 next year.
According to the new law, an application to form a new trade union must be signed by at least seven members.
From January 1 next year, according to the new law, existing registered associations can file an application to the bureau to register as an officially recognised trade union.
According to the trade union law, only those formally and officially recognised as a trade union will be allowed to perform various trade-union powers and functions listed by the law, such as negotiating with employers about employment conditions, assisting in the resolution of labour disputes, giving the government suggestions on labour policy legislation, and providing occupational training.
Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon (centre), Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) Director Wong Chi Hong (left) and DSAL Research and Information Technology Department chief Chan Weng Chi look on during Friday’s Executive Council press conference at Government Headquarters. – Photo courtesy of TDM
