Uncertainty looms as 10,000 Crown workers await the outcome of the Royal Commission findings, which will be handed to the Governor of Victoria today.

The United Workers Union (UWU), which represents workers including bar, hotel and restaurant staff, cleaners, security, and dealers, is warning that workers at Crown will not accept any loss of jobs or reductions in wages and conditions, regardless of which company holds the licence to operate the venue.

The majority of Crown Melbourne workers have been unable to work since the pandemic began in March 2020, with workers reporting they had raided superannuation and other savings to make rental and mortgage payments.

Now, workers are facing further disruption, following the reported misconduct and mismanagement of Crown executives.

UWU casino director Dario Mujkic said it was extremely unfair that workers could potentially be harmed because of the actions of others.

“Union members at Crown have managed to secure some of the best wages and conditions in the hospitality industry” Mujkic said.

“These jobs and the hard-won conditions and wages of workers should be guaranteed while the Government and regulators ponder the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

“It is clear that the current regulation regime has fallen short, but we have an opportunity to make sure casinos are safe and sustainable for workers, patrons and the wider community.

“Some of our members have worked at the venue for more than a decade, these are the people on the frontline day and night. They have a valuable contribution to make to any reform of the sector.

“All Australian casinos are hugely profitable entities and as a result, the Government has an obligation to ensure that the Melbourne casino provides good, secure middle-class jobs for Victorian workers.”

The Victorian Government has committed to releasing the Royal Commission report and its response within 30 days.

To find out more about UWU’s organising and advocacy for casino workers across Australia, visit the UWU website.

ENDS Media Contact: 1300 898 633, [email protected]