Latest news with #JoSchofield
Perth Now
04-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
No star review for 'insulting' casino workers pay offer
Workers will take protected industrial action against a casino operator for the first time after an "insulting" pay offer. Hundreds of staff will on Friday protest outside the Star at Queen's Wharf in Brisbane after voting against the company's offer. Union representatives say the deal short-changes workers on wages and conditions after they have shown unwavering support to the struggling venue. "They're taking that action in response to what's been an insulting offer from the company," United Workers Union national president Jo Schofield said. "They've shown a commitment to this company and loyalty over what's been an incredibly tumultuous period." A four per cent pay offer is on the table for workers with cuts to Sunday penalty rates, Ms Schofield said. It leaves workers behind other casino operators across Australia, the union said. Kaine Kennedy is a bartender at the casino and is paid 60 cents above the minimum wage, with the same job at the Star Sydney paying $2 more per hour. "That's the kind of discrepancy we're talking about," he told reporters. "The offer that's coming from the company right now is one that leaves our wages below pre-COVID levels ... in real terms, and if you account for inflation, it won't even catch us up with what we were getting paid in 2021. "It's just totally unacceptable." A spokesperson for The Star said the group is doing "everything possible" to secure future financial security for its workers, customers, suppliers, investors and other stakeholders. "The Star Brisbane has been in long and challenging EA negotiations with unions," the spokesperson said. "We have been flexible, diligent and measured in making an offer that adds wage growth for team members whilst absolutely stretching the financials of the business. "We are disappointed that Protected Industrial Action will be taken - as this action impacts all visitors that arrive at The Star Brisbane seeking memorable hospitality experiences." Brisbane's flagship casino has around 2000 workers. It is owned by Star Entertainment Group, which was in April saved from entering administration by a $300 million rescue package from US gaming giant Bally's Corporation. Throughout Star's financial woes, the Queensland government has routinely said its focus is on workers at the Brisbane casino.
ABC News
04-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Brisbane Star Entertainment casino workers to strike over pay negotiations amid ongoing financial woes
Hundreds of workers at Star's Brisbane casino are set to walk off the job, saying the entertainment group has proposed cutting penalty rates as it faces financial woes. United Workers Union president Jo Schofield said staff would take protected industrial action from 4pm to 6pm after Star failed to bring a "reasonable offer" to the bargaining table. "They have been forced into this position because of the failure of Star to recognise the cost-of-living pressures [workers] are under, but also the skills, commitment and loyalty workers have shown to the company during what has been an incredibly tumultuous time," she said. A spokesperson for The Star said they were "disappointed" workers were taking industrial action as it would impact visitors. "The Star has been doing everything possible to secure a stable financial future that will provide security for its workers, customers, suppliers, investors, and other stakeholders," they said. The spokesperson said The Star had been in "long and challenging" negotiations with unions in Brisbane. "We have been flexible, diligent, and measured in making an offer that adds wage growth for team members whilst absolutely stretching the financials of the business," they said. "We value all team members and offer excellent employee benefits. "We are disappointed that protected industrial action will be taken — as this action impacts all visitors that arrive to The Star Brisbane seeking memorable hospitality experiences." The future of the Brisbane casino has been in doubt for months with Star Entertainment's shares plummeting in February and the company failing to post its financial results in March. It entered into a deal with Hong Kong investors in early March, after months of warnings about its financial future. However, on Monday Hong Kong investors Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium threatened to walk away from an agreement to buy Star's stake in the Queen's Wharf casino and hotel complex for $53 million. The two firms issued Star with a notice to terminate the deal, which will come into effect on Monday unless it is withdrawn within five business days. Last week, Star shareholders separately approved a $300 million rescue deal backed by US casino giant Bally's and existing investor Bruce Mathieson. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said he was worried about Star's operations and would continue to support staff. "Whatever iteration it takes in the future, our only concern is that the doors stay open and that people can go to work during that transition of ownership or whatever that looks like," he said. "We just want workers to have a job."
