United Voice News
Green light on racing strike at Crown Casino
Workers at Melbourne’s Crown Casino have won the right to strike during the Spring Racing Carnival, the AEC declared today.
In a secret ballot, an overwhelming 97% of Crown workers voted for strike action, an AEC count earlier today confirmed.
Union members have rejected Crown’s wage offer of about 3.5% per year and changes that that could cost experienced dealers almost $5000 a year.
Crown workers say good jobs and fair wages are necessary to ensure the casino can retain experienced, properly-trained staff who can serve alcohol and supervise gambling responsibly.
The looming strike action comes as Crown’s annual report last week announced Crown Melbourne CEO David Courtney received a 6.5% pay increase, with his overall salary rising from $2.7 million to $2.9 million.
“Today casino staff sent a thundering message to Crown: Show us some respect.”
“Crown Ltd recently announced a profit of $300 million. This was almost entirely thanks to the hard work of staff at Crown Melbourne.”
“Now, Crown has an opportunity to recognise this work by making a pay offer that shows proper recognition for the people that are making Crown so successful.”
“Crown Melbourne CEO David Courtney just got a seven percent pay rise, taking his annual salary to almost $3 million a year.”
“Crown 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 staff are demanding recognition for being the best Casino workers in the country. They have voted overwhelmingly in support of rolling stoppages and indefinite strike action.”
“Strike action will severely disrupt Crown Casino’s operations during the Spring Racing Carnival. 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.”
“Obviously a strike is the last resort. Casino workers hope Crown will put a fair offer on the table so this action can be avoided.”
Talks have been scheduled for later this week to try and resolve the dispute.
Union members have rejected Crown’s wage offer of about 3.5% per year, and changes that would see projected wage rates for dealers’ cut by about $2.40 an hour.
Crown is the largest and richest casino in Southern Hemisphere. It just announced a $292 million profit. It is spending $450 million upgrading and expanding the casino.
