Star staff raise issue of exec bonuses as financial crisis continues

Angry staff of Star Entertainment staff have lashed out at the salaries and bonuses being paid to executives of the troubled casino group, including chief executive Steve McCann.

New Star Entertainment Group chief executive Steve McCann.

Angry Star Entertainment staff have lashed out at the salaries and bonuses being paid to executives of the troubled casino group as it teeters on the brink of ­collapse.

Queensland-based staff, in an email to The Australian, said that while they struggled to make ends meet, Star’s executives enjoyed “massive salaries and bonuses”.

“For years, employees at The Star Brisbane (previously Treasury Brisbane) have endured low wages, with pay far below what staff at other casinos across Australia receive,” said disgruntled staff. “Sporadic, insignificant pay rises have done little to address the rising cost of living, leaving us feeling undervalued and dis­illusioned.”

Queen's Wharf in Brisbane. Picture: Steve Pohlner

United Workers Union director Andrew Jones said that until the company’s financial position stabilised and it demonstrated sustained liquidity, workers would remain concerned.

“Protecting the jobs and conditions of our members is our primary focus,” said Mr Jones.

Staff say they have borne the brunt of Star’s regulatory failures, exposed in the Bell II inquiry, which resulted in the continued suspension of its casino licences in both Queensland and NSW.

“We are the ones keeping the casino running, ensuring that guests have memorable experiences,” the staff said. “Yet, we are consistently treated as expendable. The conditions we endure are unacceptable, and we are tired of being overworked, underpaid and overlooked.”

New ownership or management could restore hope to The Star, 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,” they said.

Star Entertainment chief executive Steve McCann said the company recognised the frustrations many staff were feeling “during this difficult time” as it continued to work hard on its remediation and resetting the ­business.

Mr McCann’s $10m salary package includes a $2.5m sign-on bonus and $5m worth of performance rights.

“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,” said Mr McCann. He said the group was looking at multiple options to improve its operational performance and continued to embed a new operating model with a focus on individual properties.

“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 as exploring asset sales,” he said.

“In that context, management is focused on the best ways to continue to operate the business and is committed to retaining the vast majority of frontline jobs in that scenario. We continue to work with all stakeholders to address the current challenges facing the group.”

UWU’s Mr Jones said the union was actively engaging with The Star’s management to ensure the voices of workers were heard.

“We are also in discussions with state governments to advocate for support for the 9000 workers across The Star’s three casinos, with a focus on securing job security and stability for all employees,” Mr Jones said.

He said the union was focused on safeguarding working conditions, job security, and fair treatment during any restructuring, ownership changes or operational adjustments at Star.

Mr Jones said he welcomed Queensland Premier David Crisafulli’s commitment this week to support Star’s workers.

“It provides a level of assurance for workers in the immediate term,” said Mr Jones. “However, it does not address the full scope of uncertainty surrounding Star’s future. More concrete measures are needed to ensure the long-term stability of jobs and the company’s operations.”

Mr Jones said he had received reports of conflicting information being shared across different sites at Star, which was contributing to unease among workers.

“In our communications with management, 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,” he said.

Originally published as Star staff raise issue of exec bonuses as financial crisis continues