Employees at Crown Melbourne staged a strike on New Year’s Eve, disrupting the celebrations to demand better pay and working conditions. The walkout, which involved approximately 600 workers, took place from 22:00 on December 31 to 02:00 on January 1. Workers refused to continue their shifts, leading Crown Resorts to hire temporary staff to manage operations during this peak time.
The strike was organized by the United Workers Union (UWU), which represents various casino employees, including dealers, servers, and security personnel. The union criticized Crown Melbourne for offering reduced salaries to new hires, which they argued undermined the pay standards for existing employees. A spokesperson for the casino defended the company’s compensation package, stating that it provides an average pay that is approximately 40% above industry standards, with some positions reaching 60% above base rates.
Ongoing Tensions Between Workers and Management
The union had previously rejected a management proposal that included a 3.25% wage increase for existing staff over the next three years, along with significantly lower salaries for new employees. This proposal is part of Crown Resorts’ broader cost-cutting measures following its acquisition by Blackstone. The casino has faced scrutiny from Australian regulators due to past compliance issues, prompting the need to strengthen its financial position.
Andrew Jones, director of UWU Casinos, condemned the management’s approach as representative of a “US-style race to the bottom employment model.” He emphasized that this strategy prioritizes cheap labor over the retention of skilled employees, stating that the union members “are not having it.” The proposal was overwhelmingly rejected, with 87% of UWU members voting against it.
While the strike did not significantly disrupt guest experiences, it underscored the ongoing conflicts between the casino’s workforce and its management. The union remains firm in its stance, advocating for fair pay and working conditions amidst the backdrop of Crown Resorts’ financial restructuring.
Crown management has reiterated its commitment to resolving these issues, but the union’s strong opposition indicates that negotiations may be challenging in the coming weeks. As discussions continue, the spotlight remains on how Crown Melbourne will address the demands of its workforce while navigating its financial recovery.
