Crown Melbourne Workers Strike on New Year’s Eve for Better Pay
Workers at Crown Melbourne staged a strike on New Year’s Eve, demanding better pay and working conditions. Approximately 600 employees walked off the job from 22:00 on December 31, 2023, until 02:00 on January 1, 2024, forcing the casino to hire temporary staff to fill the gaps.
The strike reflects ongoing tensions between casino workers and management over wage issues. Employees, represented by the United Workers Union (UWU), have expressed dissatisfaction with their current pay rates. In a statement, UWU indicated that workers were unwilling to accept reduced pay for new hires, a key point of contention in negotiations with management.
Crown Resorts has defended its compensation packages, asserting that its average pay is around 40% higher than industry standards. The company claims that certain positions can reach pay levels as much as 60% above base rates. Despite this, the union rejected a recent proposal that included wage increases of 3.25%, 3%, and 3% for existing employees over the next three years, citing the significantly lower salaries offered to new hires as unacceptable.
Crown’s cost-cutting measures have been implemented following its acquisition by Blackstone. These efforts have been a response to regulatory challenges and compliance issues faced by the company in Australia. Andrew Jones, director of UWU Casinos, criticized Crown’s latest offer, describing it as a “US-style race to the bottom employment model.” This approach has drawn strong opposition from union members, with 87% voting against the proposed terms.
The strike coincided with a peak time for the casino, typically bustling with New Year celebrations. While guests were largely unaffected by the walkout, it underscored the deepening divide between the workforce and management at Crown Melbourne.
The United Workers Union continues to advocate for fair wages and conditions, emphasizing the need for a sustainable employment model that values skilled workers. As negotiations remain unresolved, Crown Resorts has stated its commitment to reaching a mutually agreeable resolution.
This incident serves as a notable example of the ongoing labor disputes within the hospitality industry, particularly as workers seek to secure better conditions in a changing economic landscape.
