Hundreds of workers at the Star Casino walked off the job on July 4 to protest the entertainment group’s plans to cut workers’ penalty rates which, as one said, would “make them some of the lowest paid casino staff members in Australia.”
The strike, organised by the United Workers Union (UWU), partially closed the casino when hundreds rallied outside the staff entrance, before marching to Queens Garden to hear from the affected workers. They are pushing for a 6% pay rise and management is offering 4%, paid for in part by cuts to penalty rates.
The UWU told supporters that protected industrial action was necessary after management offered a proposal to cut Sunday penalty rates by 25% after 7 months of negotiation. This would mean workers would be paid close to minimum wage during a cost-of-living crisis and paid less than workers doing the same work in other venues.
Kaine Kennedy, a UWU delegate and Queensland Socialist, said these poor offers were even worse before the hard work of union negotiators. “I make 60 cents above minimum wage. If I was doing the exact same job at The Star Sydney I’d be getting almost $2 an hour more,” he said. “The last three offers were also supposedly at their limit. You’ll forgive me if I don’t exactly believe the company.”
While the Star Casino said it was “disappointed” that the union had taken protected industrial action, the UWU said it was not “aimed at guests”.
“It’s a message to management. Respect the people who keep this place running.”
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UWU national president Jo Schofield echoed these words at the rally, saying: “You kept the business going in periods where people were concerned about being paid. You would expect a respectful offer that keeps up with the cost of living, has respect for your skills, and recognises your loyalty.
“Workers are being blamed for the mistakes of the company and are paying for the mistakes of the company. The union is 100% behind you.”
The UWU were joined by members of the Construction Forestry Maritime Employees Union, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, Retail and Fast Food Workers Union, Socialist Alliance and Queensland Socialists.
The strike action comes during a turbulent period of mismanagement and criminal conduct for the Star Entertainment group and its managers.
Despite the NSW Independent Casino Commission allowing the Star Entertainment group to retain its Casino licence in the face of egregious criminal behaviour and violations of its responsibilities, it has failed to rebuild its reputation and financial viability. As noted by Suzanne James in March, “Once worth $5 billion, Star is now valued at $315 million, with collective debts of $430 million.” On March 3, Star Entertainment was suspended from trading on the Australian Stock Exchange.
UWU members at the July 4 stop work, discussed and passed three motions, indicating their preparedness to continue fighting for a reasonable offer. They were to call a July 9 stop work/strike action to coincide with the State of Origin; to set up a picket-line action to coincide with the State of Origin; and to strike for 24 hours on July 11 to coincide with a scheduled poker tournament.
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[Find out more about the UWU’s actions and support the Star Casino workers . More photos are on the 91̳ Facebook page and .]