Crown Casino Strike Averted
A CASINO worker strike planned during Melbourne's busy Caulfield Cup has been averted.
The Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) says a dispute over pay has been resolved and a strike at Crown casino, set to start on Friday and continue into Caulfield Cup Day on Saturday, one of Crown's busier days, had now been cancelled. The union statement, released today, says it has agreed to pay rises of 4 per cent a year, up from Crown's initial offer of 3.75 per cent. The deal also includes a deferral to planned changes in the career structure of experienced croupiers, the union says. Both the union and Crown are expected to speak on the deal later today. – Source: The Melbourne Herald
Media and gaming analyst Greg Tingle from Media Man said "The news of the Crown Casino industry strike been called off is welcome news. This will see Crown Casino return to business as usual, and will ease the tensions between management, staff, the union and shareholders, us being one of them. As previously reported at Gambling911 the Crown Casino strike had been estimated to cost in excess of $4 million all told. We wish all parties well with their continues negotiations, and may everyone have a fabulous and stress free Caulfield Cup Day. Here's to a win - win - win, Aussie Tiffecta style. Oh, public congratulations to Crown's James Packer and the powers that be for seeing things being resoled. A fair go for all, for its the Australian way of life".
Media Man and Gambling911 will keep you involved of developments in the coming days and weeks, as the Australian casino wars continue.
*Greg Tingle of Media Man is a special contributor for Gambling911 and owns shares in Crown Limited
