News

Information from LHMU website, http://www.lhmu.org.au

Thousands of casino workers will vote on industrial action after Crown Casino failed to offer a fair pay increase or reverse changes that could cost experienced dealers almost $5000 a year.

Workers say Crown’s plans will force experienced, properly-trained frontline staff to quit, increasing the risk of alcohol-fuelled violence and problem gambling at Melbourne’s mega-casino.

“Experienced, properly-trained staff are vital to ensuring gaming and alcohol are served responsibly at Crown,” said Jess Walsh, Vic Sec of LHMU, the Casino Union. But Crown has sent a clear message it does not value the loyalty, dedication and experience of its staff. It only cares about one thing: making more money, whatever the cost to the community or its own staff. It has told staff it cannot afford a fair wage increase and needs to make changes that could cost experienced dealers almost $5k a year, despite its $300 million profit. Crown already loses about half its staff each year. This will force even more of the people who help minimise problem gambling and alcohol-fuelled violence to quit. This extraordinary greed is putting at risk the welfare of everyone who visits Crown. Thousands of union members at Crown have already pledged to take industrial action. Crown staff are united in their determination to win good jobs and fair wages.”

At a hearing Fair Work Australia gave Crown staff a green light to vote on rolling stoppages and an indefinite strike.

Voting on the protected action ballot will conclude by late September, clearing the way for Crown workers to take industrial action during the Spring Racing Carnival.

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. Billionaire, James Packer is Crown Ltd’s chairman and biggest shareholder.

The Productivity Commission’s report on gambling earlier this year report found problem gamblers account for about 40 percent of all gambling losses in Australia and make up 15 percent of all regular gamblers.

By law, Crown floor staff must be trained in responsible service of gaming and alcohol. They are expected to identify problem gamblers for referral to support services. They must also ensure intoxicated patrons cannot drink or gamble.

The Crown Casino complex includes 30 bars, 1600 hotel rooms, 2500 poker machines and 350 tables. Crown has permission to open 150 more tables, including 200 automated tables, and double the overall footprint of the casino.