United Voice News
Casino Strike Starts Friday, Hits Caulfied Cup
Late yesterday casino workers notified Crown strike action will begin on Friday and continue into Caulfield Cup Day (Saturday), one of Crown’s busiest days of the year.
A strike could cost Crown as much as $4.3 million in revenue and $1 million in profits a day, while the State Government could lose $400k in taxation revenue per day.
Last week, casino union members who voted in an industrial action ballot supported for strike action by a margin of 97%.
Union members have rejected Crown’s wage offer of 3.75% per year and changes that that could cost experienced dealers almost $5000 a year. Last week Crown upped its wage offer by 0.25% over three years, following the successful strike ballot.
Workers say good jobs and fair wages will ensure Crown can retain experienced, properly-trained staff who can serve alcohol and supervise gambling responsibly.
“This Friday, Crown staff will begin strike action. Strike action will continue into Caulfield Cup Day on Saturday, with further action likely next week,” said Jess Walsh, State Secretary, of LHMU, the Casino Union.
“We’ve committed to give Crown sufficient notice so it can protect the millions in cash and thousands of patrons on the premises when staff walk off the job. We’ve also notified the gambling regulator.”
“Crown staff are demanding recognition and respect for being the best casino workers in the country.”
“Crown Melbourne dwarfs other Australian casinos by every measure. It needs to attract and retain the best staff, and now it has an opportunity to do just that — by creating the best conditions at work.”
“Crown Melbourne just made a $350 million profit, thanks to the hard work of Crown staff.”
“Now, Crown has an opportunity to make a pay offer that shows proper recognition for the people that have made this casino so successful.”
“Strike action will severely disrupt Crown Casino’s operations. Most Crown staff are irreplaceable, both in terms of licensing and training, and also experience and knowledge of the particular requirements of this casino. It will be impossible to bring in outside replacements, who would not be qualified to work at this casino.”
“This strike will cost Crown dearly. It will cost Crown up to $180k in lost revenue every hour workers are on strike or more than $4 million for the day.”
“Obviously strike action is a last resort. Casino workers still hope Crown will put a fair offer on the table so this action can be averted.”
Late last Friday, Crown announced that Crown Ltd CEO Rowan Craigie replaced Crown Melbourne CEO David Courtney as part of a management restructure.
Crown is the largest and richest casino in the Southern Hemisphere. It made a $349mil profit and is spending $450mil upgrading and expanding the casino.
