Crown Casino staff will stage a major strike on New Year’s Eve, protesting proposed pay reductions. Hundreds of employees plan to walk off the job from 10 pm to 2 am, disrupting bars, table games, and security services at Melbourne’s largest casino.
The strike follows a vote rejecting a new enterprise agreement. The proposal would pay new employees 16–32% less than current staff for the same roles. Andrew Jones, director of the United Workers Union’s casinos division, said, “This pay disparity threatens both job security and workplace morale.”
Under the plan, new hires would earn $28.84 per hour, while existing staff receive $34.22. That gap could create annual pay differences of $10,600 to $32,000 for identical jobs. Workers argue the cuts are unfair and risk destabilizing the workforce.
A Crown Melbourne spokeswoman responded by saying staff already earn well above industry standards. Some roles pay up to 60% above award base rates. She added, “We remain committed to resolving this issue and minimizing inconvenience to our guests.”
The strike will likely delay New Year’s Eve celebrations. Workers also plan further industrial action from 10 am to 2 pm on Thursday, with negotiations continuing into January. Jones stated, “If Crown returns with a fair offer, we can resolve this dispute without escalation.”
This strike highlights deeper challenges in the hospitality industry. Workers continue to push for pay equity and fair treatment, especially in high-profile venues like Crown Casino.
