Melbourne New Year's celebrations threatened as hundreds of workers prepare to strike
Hundreds of Crown Casino workers in Melbourne are planning a strike during New Year's Eve over a proposed two-tier wage system.Summary
New Year's Eve celebrations in Melbourne may be disrupted as up to 500 Crown Casino employees prepare to strike for four hours starting at 10pm. The United Workers Union (UWU) reports that negotiations with Crown Casino have stalled due to the company's insistence on a two-tier wage system, which would see new hires earning 16 to 32 percent less than current employees for the same work. The UWU argues that this system devalues experienced staff and encourages cheaper labor. Crown Casino maintains that its workers already earn well above industry standards, with average wages 40 percent above the norm and up to 60 percent for some roles, and that these rates would continue to increase under their latest offer. The company is attempting to minimize potential disruptions by deploying extra staff, while the UWU urges Crown to return to negotiations with a fairer proposal.
(Source：9news)