Hundreds of workers at Australia’s largest casino are set to strike in the middle of New Year’s Eve celebrations to protest major pay cuts.
Workers will take protected industrial action after voting to reject a proposal that would see new employees paid between 16 per cent and 32 per cent less than existing workers for identical roles.
Employees across different operational teams including bar staff, table game dealers and security will leave their positions from 10pm until 2am.
The United Workers Union casinos director Andrew Jones said there would be significant delays across the casino service.
Negotiations have been taking place since May, with 89 per cent of eligible workers voting against Crown’s proposed main enterprise agreement.
“Workers are feeling frustrated and angry, one would assume when (most) of your workforce votes ‘no’ to a proposed agreement, that the company would listen,” Mr Jones told AAP.
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
Under the proposed deal, new-hire casino workers would be paid $28.84 an hour compared to current employees who are on $34.22.
“The system locks in pay cuts of between $10,600 and $32,000 a year for workers doing the same work as their Crown colleagues if they start work after July 1 next year,” Mr Jones said.
“That poses a significant threat to the existing workers’ job security.”
A Crown spokeswoman told AAP they are disappointed by the proposed action, adding they are doing all they can to minimise any potential impacts on guests.
“Crown Melbourne team members earn an average of around 40 per cent above industry standards, and as high as 60 per cent above award base rates for some roles – these rates would continue to increase under Crown’s most recent offer, and we are committed to reaching a resolution.”
“Let’s be clear – the people most impacted by this strike won’t be Crown Management, it will be Victorian families and children who are trying to enjoy a free and fun night out on New Year’s Eve.”
Workers also plan to take protected action on Thursday between 10am and 2pm, with further industrial action expected in the coming weeks.
“The ball is firmly in Crown’s court,” Mr Jones said.
“If the company comes back to the table with a fair proposal, this dispute does not need to escalate.”
Crown Melbourne will remain at the bargaining table and continues to negotiate, with the next meeting to take place in January.