Casino Staff at Crown Melbourne Consider Striking Prior to Melbourne Cup
Crown Melbourne employees are considering a possible strike, as they reach a critical point in their negotiations with Crown Resorts regarding their pay and working conditions. This follows recent casino worker strikes in Las Vegas and Detroit, Michigan.
The primary issues up for debate include requesting a yearly pay increase, better weekend and public holiday pay, and more balanced shift schedules to allow for a healthier work-life balance and career progression.
A week ago, Crown Resorts released their latest financial report, revealing AU$2.7 billion (US$1.7 billion) earned from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023—a 44% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. Crown Melbourne was a significant contributor to this increase, with a 49% rise in revenue. Even with these gains, Crown Resorts experienced a net loss of AU$199 million (US$125 million) due to recent fines related to money laundering and other violations.
The United Workers Union claims that a recent ballot vote authorizes all union members to participate in the strike, impacting around 3,600 workers. Crown Resorts questioned the eligibility of a large workforce to partake in such an action, initially believing only 1,700 workers would be allowed to engage in a work stoppage. The company later reconsidered, acknowledging that roughly 3,100 workers hold the necessary eligibility.
Amid escalating tensions, the potential strike is brilliantly timed to coincide with the upcoming Melbourne Cup this weekend. The workers' goal is to make Crown Resorts address their demands and reach a mutually agreeable resolution before the high-profile event takes place.
Crown Melbourne is the hospitality services partner of the annual horse racing festivities. They secured this partnership in a three-year contract last year. If a strike occurs during the Melbourne Cup, it could completely disrupt the visitor experience.
Employee Unrest
The employees' protests could start as early as this Saturday, during Victoria Derby Day. The planned strike may continue until Monday, jeopardizing the highly anticipated Melbourne Cup on Sunday.
The proposed timetable suggests that Crown Melbourne's operations might cease during certain hours. The strike timings include halting activities from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and a pause from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The strike would then resume from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday. This three-day work stoppage would significantly impact Crown Melbourne's operations during crucial hours over the weekend.
In 2022, the Melbourne Cup Carnival generated a gross economic impact of AU$3.6 billion (US$2.21 billion) on Victoria, attracting approximately 61,000 visitors, including tourists from 28 nations, primarily New Zealand and the UK.
Read also:
- The 15-year-old murderer admits to fatally shooting Francesco, who was 14.
- Schalke's pressure has affected Terodde.
- Columbia University Faces Possible Expulsion Following Demonstrations
- Football turmoil in Munich: Last-minute penalty stuns Bayern
Source: www.casino.org
