Staff at Melbourne’s Crown Casino are set to stage a walkout during tonight’s New Year’s Eve festivities in protest over proposed wage conditions.
This marks the first-ever strike by casino employees and comes after workers rejected a Crown offer that they claim would slash pay for new hires by $10,000 to $32,000 annually, introducing a two-tier wage structure.
The United Workers Union (UWU) announced that around 500 workers—including dealers, bar staff, and security—will stop work from 10pm to 2am.
“They’re taking this action reluctantly, only because the company has left them no choice,” said UWU casinos director Andrew Jones.
“Regrettably, Crown has made tonight a focal point of the conflict.”
According to the UWU, 87 per cent of workers voted against the proposal in mid-December. It would pay new employees 16 to 32 per cent less for the same roles, with starting rates at $28.84 per hour from July 1, compared to $34.22 for existing staff.
“It’s identical work but for significantly lower pay, threatening job security for current employees,” Jones explained.
He described the model as a “race to the bottom,” likely hitting casual and part-time workers hardest by favouring cheaper new hires and reducing hours for others.
The union warned the action could cause major disruptions and possible closures in parts of the casino.
Crown plans to bring in temporary staff to minimise impacts and expressed disappointment over the strike.
“Clearly, the ones most affected won’t be Crown executives, but Victorian families and children hoping for a free, enjoyable New Year’s Eve outing,” a spokesperson said.
The company defended its offer, stating Crown Melbourne employees earn around 40 per cent above industry averages—and up to 60 per cent above award rates in some positions—with further increases proposed.
“We remain committed to resolving this,” the spokesperson added.
The UWU said multiple negotiation sessions have occurred since the vote rejection, but Crown has refused to budge on wages or the two-tier system.
“The onus is on Crown,” Jones said. “If they return with a fair offer, this dispute can be avoided from escalating further.”
