Crown staff rejects wage offer, wants more pay

Saturday 6th of August 2016

Crown Melbourne is facing a public dispute with thousands of its gaming and hospitality workers who have rejected management’s wage offer, and are demanding more pay for late-night shifts on weekends, local media reports.

Over 5,500 workers reportedly rejected a pay rise offer of 2.75 per cent, and are now preparing to "go public" with large-scale protests in the CBD.

The staff are asking for at least 5 percent a year and new allowances of up to $3 an hour for all weekend work that falls between 7pm and 7am.

Casino labor group United Voice and the Crown management have been arguing over the terms of a new wage deal since April.

However, a Crown spokesman said its employees received higher pay than the standard award rate, and added that negotiations for the new deal were continuing.

"Crown employees continue to receive higher pay and conditions than the tourism and hospitality industry," he said.

"Since 2013, Crown Melbourne has added more than 1000 new jobs and provided existing staff with valuable training and career development opportunities."

United Voice said the new allowances requested for Friday and Saturday-night shifts would give staff an extra $20, "about the price Crown charges for a cocktail".

Bricks & Mortar Wage Staff Dispute