3,600 Crown Casino Melbourne workers are preparing to strike if demands for a fair cost-of-living wage increase and improved working conditions are not met before Saturday.
“Casino workers – whether working in gaming, hospitality, security, hotels or anywhere else – are the heart of Crown Melbourne. They are the reason the casino generated $1.4 billion in revenue in the last financial year, and they deserve fair wages and conditions in a cost of living crisis,” said Dario Mujkic, United Workers Union Casinos Director.
This week, in a strong protected action ballot result, 95% of union members voted yes to the right to take work stoppages.
The decision to endorse industrial action follows four months of negotiations. “Crown has so far not come to the table with an offer that keeps up with the cost of living. By voting to take action right at the start of the spring racing carnival this weekend, casino workers are telling Crown they’re serious about getting a fair deal.” Mr Mujkic said.
Deb Lipscombe, who has worked at Crown for 28 years – more than half her life, says Crown’s refusal to provide a fair deal has left the workforce frustrated and ready to fight for fairness.
“It is about the company showing respect for us workers. Treating people with respect and dignity. It shouldn’t cost me to go to work – with household bills going up, putting petrol in the car to get to work, paying for parking when I arrive. We take care of the patrons and they expect us to do it for crumbs whilst they profit off of us,” she said.
Workers are seeking:
- A fair wage increase for every year of the new agreement.
- Increased remuneration on weekends and public holidays.
- Fairer rosters and a better work-life balance.
- Service-based progression.
The planned strike will occur on Saturday 4 November from 6 pm – 10 pm with stoppages to continue on Sunday and Monday. There are two agreements at Crown Casino Melbourne currently being negotiated, one for all frontline staff and one for managers and surveillance workers. United Workers Union and Crown Casino’s management are in further negotiations this week leading up to Saturday.
Updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
ENDS
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