United Voice News
Workers at Brisbane’s Tabcorp-owned Treasury Casino have voted overwhelmingly to take protected industrial action in their ongoing fight to secure wages and conditions similar to those offered in other Tabcorp Casinos.
The workers will likely schedule a stop-work meeting in mid-June, according to Queensland Assistant Secretary Kerry Tomlinson.
“Out of 358 members who voted in the poll, only three voted against taking industrial action if need be,” Ms Tomlinson said.
“Delegates and members are angry with the way in which management has conducted itself during the negotiation process.
“Tabcorp chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper rewarded himself with a 67 percent increase in remuneration last year, taking his total package to $3.82 million.
“What these low-paid workers are fighting for is a fraction of that, at 5.5 percent.”
“Is Mr Kupper really worth that much more to the company than the many people who secure the doors, deal the cards and serve the drinks to customers, day after day?”
Treasury Casino management has punished its workers by removing amenities including the water fountain and storage from their ‘smoko’ areas since the dispute escalated.
Workers have previously voted against a compromised offer that includes a pay increase smaller than previously agreed to and a reduction in sick leave entitlements.
They then protested the pay agreement outside the casino on April 15.
“We’ll continue to work with Tabcorp to negotiate this agreement and, with a bit of luck, we’ll be successful in our bid to get Treasury employees pay and conditions comparable to workers in other states.”
