Crown Casino workers threaten strike ahead of the Melbourne Cup
Crown only wanted to permit 1,700 workers to strike, but has revised the number to 2,100.
Crown Melbourne workers have voted in favour of strike action in the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup.
Thousands of workers at Crown Melbourne are poised to strike during the upcoming Melbourne Cup, the busiest time on the spring racing calendar. The strike threat is a result of union members at the casino and resort voting in favour of protected strike action after four months of negotiations.
The planned strike is scheduled to commence on Saturday, coinciding with the Victoria Derby Day and continue until Monday, the eve of the Melbourne Cup.
Workers’ primary demands include fair wage increases for each year of the new employment agreement, higher pay rates for weekends and public holidays, more equitable work rosters to improve work-life balance and payment progression based on service.
Workers, including long-time employees like Deb Lipscombe, argue that the cost-of-living crisis necessitates better wages and working conditions. They express concerns about their financial well-being, citing rising household bills, transportation costs and parking expenses.
The United Workers Union claims that the vote authorises all union members to strike, potentially involving 3,600 workers. However, Crown initially challenged these figures, stating that only 1,700 workers would be allowed to strike. Following further clarification, Crown revised the number of eligible workers to approximately 3,100.
Work stoppages are expected to last four hours between 6pm and 10pm on Saturday, from 10am to 2pm on Sunday and between 6pm and 10pm on Monday.
While the negotiations have been ongoing, both sides are still in dispute regarding the number of workers allowed to partake in industrial action.
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