United Voice News
Treasury Casino workers are being punished by mean-spirited bosses, who this week took away amenities including the water fountain and storage from their ‘smoko’ areas.
The action follows on from workers voting against a compromised offer that includes a pay increase smaller than previously agreed to and a reduction in sick leave entitlements.
Workers also vocally protested the pay agreement outside the casino on April 15.
“The actions of Treasury Casino management are spiteful and childish and occur at a time when competent management would be bridge building rather than engaging in what is obviously a payback exercise” LHMU organiser Don Brown said.
“Treasury Casino bosses claim to have issued some obscure warning months ago but it is blatantly obvious that these actions and the timing are a poor attempt to intimidate these workers.
“It hasn’t worked and if anything it has only served to harden their resolve.
“We’ve done everything by the book and haven’t once taken action that might inconvenience casino patrons.
“They’re a profitable company and fair minded Queenslander would expect them to get back to the negotiating table with a view to ensuring their workers get a decent wage.
“Let’s not forget that chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper rewarded himself with a 67 percent increase in remuneration last year.
“What these workers are fighting for is a fraction of that.”
He refused to rule out industrial action but stressed that the doorway to a negotiated settlement was still open.
“We want to get back to the table and renegotiate this pay deal,” Mr Brown said.
