MTR (Macau) Has Consistently Complied with the Laws and Regulations to Assist in Employee Transfer Arrangements as Requested by MLM

Released date: 22-03-2024

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  Regarding the transfer of MTR (Macau) personnel to Macao Light Rapid Transit Corporation, Limited (“MLM”), MTR (Macau) hereby clarifies its position. 

   

  MTR (Macau) has been actively fulfilling its mission under the “Operations and Maintenance Assistance Services of the Macau Light Rapid Transit (LRT) Taipa Line” contract. While assisting MLM in operating and maintaining the Taipa Line, MTR (Macau) has also been continuously providing training to Macao employees, preparing them for a smooth transition to MLM and the sustainable development of the Macao LRT.

   

  As the expiration of the “O&M Services Contract" approaches, MTR (Macau) has consistently endeavored to support and cooperate with MLM’s requests to gradually assume certain functions and transfer Macao employees since the third quarter of 2021. According to the plan, starting from 1 April of this year, MLM will take over the majority of the operation and maintenance functions, as well as the Macao employees, with the aim of fully taking over the operation and maintenance services of the Macao LRT system before the expiration of the "O&M Services Contract" in December 2024. MTR (Macau) is committed to coordinating with MLM to ensure a seamless transition for employees while safeguarding their interests. MTR (Macau) recognises that close coordination with the employees' future employer (i.e., MLM) is crucial to protect employees' interests.

   

  To facilitate a smooth transition process, MTR (Macau) had previously held a number of employee communication sessions to explain the transfer arrangements, address their inquiries and collect feedback. Prior to the explanatory meetings organised by MLM, MTR (Macau) also maintained communication with MLM, conveying the employees’ opinions and providing suggestions for their consideration. This included matters concerning the calculation of provident fund and the transferred employees’ years of service.

   

  MTR (Macau) reiterates that the procedures and arrangements for the transfer of Macao employees from MTR (Macau) to MLM strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations of Macao, including the Labour Relations Law. MTR (Macau) has been maintaining close communication with MLM and made every effort to meet their needs. After employees have agreed to the transfer and signed new employment contracts with MLM, MTR (Macau) will sign agreements with the respective employees. The purpose of these agreement documents is to mutually agree and waive the one- to two-month notice period for terminating the existing labour contracts, allowing for a smooth transition to MLM.

   

  Although MTR (Macau) cannot unilaterally approve the expenses incurred for the operation of Macao LRT, MTR (Macau) will fully cooperate with the employee transfer arrangements of MLM and continue to discuss and explore feasible solutions together to address feedback raised by the employees. This will facilitate a smooth transfer of employees to the Light Rail Company and contribute to the sustainable development of Macau's light rail system.