Star staff fear for future of jobs amid ‘conflicting’ information
Star workers are being fed “conflicting information” about the future of the embattled casino operator, potentially impacting some 6000 Qld-based employees.
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Star Entertainment Group workers are being fed “conflicting information” about the future of the embattled casino operator, raising concerns about huge job losses if the company collapses.
Speculation is mounting the company is preparing to carve up its Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney properties amid a significant cash burn analysts and investors say could send it bankrupt.
Some 6000 workers are employed across the company’s Queensland operations.
United Workers’ Union casinos director Andrew Jones confirmed fears for Star’s future were weighing on staff.
“We will continue to have concerns until the company’s financial position stabilises and they can demonstrate sustained liquidity to operate,” he said.
“The union is focused on safeguarding working conditions, job security, and fair treatment during any restructuring, ownership changes, or operational adjustments.”
Mr Jones said a lack of clear communication was adding to the uncertainty facing workers.
“We have received reports of conflicting information being shared across different sites, which is contributing to unease among workers,” he said.
“We are emphasising the importance of establishing clearer and more consistent communication channels to ensure all workers are kept informed and reassured during this challenging time.”
Mr Jones said Premier David Crisafulli’s drive to protect Queen’s Wharf workers if Star collapses was assuring in “the immediate term”, said it would not replace more concrete measures for the long-term stability of jobs.
Star CEO Steve McCann said he understood the frustrations of employees and acknowledged an uncertain future.
“We also acknowledge our team members are the backbone of our business and they are doing their best to continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences in very challenging circumstances,” he said.
“As disclosed to the ASX in recent weeks and at our AGM, the Group is also pursuing all available options to address its significant liquidity issues as well exploring asset sales.
“In that context, management is focussed on the best ways to continue to operate the business and is committed to retaining the vast majority of frontline jobs in that scenario.”
Some Brisbane Star Entertainment Group workers hope the company’s demise will “restore hope” after years of, they say, low wages and difficult working conditions.
The worker, who spoke to The Courier-Mail anonymously because they are not authorised to do so, hold anger at former executives who brought the company “into disrepute” while pocketing multimillion-dollar bonuses over several years.
“It is time for change... We believe new ownership or management could restore hope to The Star Brisbane,” they said.
“A company that values its employees, pays fair wages, and fosters a positive workplace culture could transform this struggling institution into one we can all be proud of.”
Another, also speaking anonymously to protect their employment, said there was “a lot of uncertainty” about the future of the company.
“A lot of frontline staff feel confident that their jobs are safe... they need us to earn the revenue,” they said.
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