Citing positive numbers for Macau’s casinos, workers in the sector are calling for a pay increase that would match the rise in consumer prices.

GGRAsia reported of at least three groups with employees from casino resorts that are asking for operators to raise salaries in 2019. Eason Ian Iu Chong, vice-president of the 1,800-strong Power of the Macao Gaming Association, said he was asking for a “3 percent to 6 percent” increase.

“Macau’s economy is at least better than a few years ago when the gaming slump hit, so we think the casino operators should raise our salary and boost workers’ morale,” Ian was quoted as saying.

According to research website Trading Economics, the Special Administrative Region’s consumer price index for October showed a 3.35% year-on-year increase, with transport rising 6.31%, and clothing and footwear going up 5.72%. Food prices saw a 2.91% year-on-year increase during the period.