Hundreds of workers at Star Casino in Brisbane staged their first strike on Friday, July 4, in protest against a wage proposal deemed insulting amid growing financial uncertainty. From 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.—strategically during peak post-work hours—staff from gaming, hospitality, and housekeeping departments walked off the job in a coordinated, protected industrial action.
The dispute centers on what the United Workers Union (UWU) calls a real wage cut: a proposed 4% pay rise spread over three years, coupled with a substantial reduction in Sunday penalty rates—up to 6 Australian dollars per hour less. Workers also pointed to regional pay disparities, with Brisbane bartenders reportedly earning nearly 2 dollars less per hour than their counterparts in Sydney for equivalent roles. Union leader Jo Schofield described the offer as “a slap in the face” to employees who kept the casino operational during recent crises.
The strike comes as Star Entertainment Group, the parent company, grapples with mounting financial challenges linked to its AU$3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development. Investor confidence has been shaken, with key backers pausing acquisition activity despite a recently approved AU$300 million rescue package from Bally’s and Bruce Mathieson. Regulatory investigations into the company’s governance and misconduct have further complicated the outlook.
In response to the strike, Star Casino acknowledged the workers’ action and emphasized that the ongoing enterprise agreement negotiations aim to ensure long-term financial stability for staff, customers, suppliers, and shareholders alike. Meanwhile, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli expressed support for the workforce, stressing that “jobs must come before boardroom drama.”
