Star Casino workers strike for the first time over pay

Star Casino workers have walked off the job in Brisbane over a pay dispute and say they’ve been treated terribly during the company’s much publicised financial struggles.

Star Casino union protest over wages, Brisbane. pic pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Hundreds of the Star Brisbane Casino workers have walked off their jobs for the first time on Friday to protest the pay offer as the entertainment giant faced financial hardships.

The workers took a protected industrial action at 4pm after dissatisfaction towards the company’s 4 per cent rise offer with cuts on penalty rates.

They demanded a six per cent increase as a “proper rate”.

United Workers Union National President Jo Schofield said the company did not offer a decent wage settlement.

“Those cuts to penalty rates will have the biggest impact on the lowest paid workers,” she said.

“The four per cent offer still leaves star workers well behind what other casino workers are earning, including in their own operations.”

Ms Schofield said the workers showed commitment and loyalty towards the group during the tremendous period.

“Workers have faced uncertainty for over 18 months,” she said.

“During that time, they have showed up for work every day to keep the business going, sometimes without any guarantee that they will be paid at the end of the week.”

Delegate Marcia Conlan, who worked for the group for eight years, said their pays were around 10 per cent lower than those in Sydney.

Star Casino union protest over wages, Brisbane. pic pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

“What matters in this workplace is our labour,” she said.

“We made it run. We’ve given the casino everything we’ve got, and they’ve given us nothing in return.”

The Star said the group was disappointed that the protected industrial action was taken.

“This action impacts all visitors that arrive at The Star Brisbane seeking memorable hospitality experiences,” a spokesman said.

“The Star Brisbane has been in long and challenging EA negotiations with unions.

“We value all our team members and offer excellent employee benefits.

“We have been flexible, diligent and measured in making an offer that adds wage growth for team members whilst absolutely stretching the financials of the business.”

The spokesman also said the group had been doing everything possible to secure a stable financial future to provide security for its workers, customers, suppliers, investors and stakeholders.

The union has vowed to escalate their actions if the entertainment giant did not provide a fair offer.