Macau casino operator Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd announced on Monday longer leave for new mothers or new fathers who are eligible employees of the firm. It is part of a package of improved maternity and paternity benefits that takes effect from June 1, 2018.
The duration of paid maternity leave for Melco Resorts employees is being increased from 56 days to 70 days.
For male workers, the length of paid paternity leave is being increased from two days to five days, the casino company stated.
Macau’s existing labour law states that a male worker is entitled to two working days of unpaid leave from his employment due to paternity; a female worker is entitled to 56 days of paid maternity leave.
“Melco Resorts values its employees as the company’s most important asset,” the firm stated in a press release. “Today’s announcement further reinforces the company’s family-friendly policies,” it added.
Chairman and chief executive Lawrence Ho Yau Lung said in a prepared statement included in the release that Melco Resorts management believed “the increased maternity and paternity leave benefits now announced… will be a welcome incentive to further enhance Melco Resorts’ market leading position as a caring company.”
Mr Ho added that the firm had introduced in 2016 fully equipped lactation rooms for new mothers working in its Macau properties and administrative offices. The firm operates the casino resorts City of Dreams Macau and Studio City (pictured), and casino hotel Altira Macau.
Melco Resorts is the second Macau casino operator to have announced in recent months changes to staff maternity and paternity benefits. Market rivals Wynn Macau Ltd made a similar announcement in April.
In mid-February, Sands China Ltd said that it would be implementing a paid paternity leave policy, effective from February 16, for eligible employees. Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd also announced on February 27 a paid paternity leave policy, effective on April 1.
Members of Macau gaming labour activist group Professional for Gaming of New Macau have been calling all the city’s six casino operators to give longer paid leave for eligible employees who are either new mothers or new fathers.
