Crown Melbourne Casino Workers Strike During New Year’s Eve Festivities
Posted on: January 1, 2026, 11:12h.
Last updated on: January 1, 2026, 11:12h.
- About 600 workers at Crown Melbourne walked off the job during New Year’s Eve festivities
- The United Workers Union rejected Crown Melbourne’s most recent contract offer
- While the casino agreed to higher wages for current employees, it’s seeking to pay new hires considerably less
Most guests at Crown Melbourne last night likely weren’t aware, but there was a strike at the casino resort that included roughly 600 employees refusing to work.
New Year’s Eve festivities went on as planned despite the strike, as parent company Crown Resorts brought in temporary workers to cover the walkout. The strike included employees who work as table game dealers, bar and waitstaff, and security personnel represented by the United Workers Union (UWU).
Crown Melbourne team members earn an average of around 40% above industry standards, and as high as 60% above award base rates for some roles. These rates would continue to increase under Crown’s most recent offer, and we are committed to reaching a resolution,” a Crown Melbourne spokesperson said.
The UWU rejected Crown Melbourne’s most recent contract offer because it greatly reduces pay for new hires.
Private Equity Takeover
The embattled casino operator, Australia’s largest, was acquired in 2022 by US-based private equity behemoth Blackstone in a deal valued at A$8.9 billion (US$6 billion). Since Blackstone’s acquisition, the company has cut costs and increased the compliance of the firm’s three properties with applicable regulations, suitability shortcomings that led to the casino’s downfall.
Under Blackstone’s ownership, Crown Resorts has sought to reduce wages. Crown Melbourne, while agreeing to increase pay for current employees by 3.25%, 3%, and 3% over the next three years, proposed slashing pay for new hires. While a current Level 1 employee would be paid A$34.22 an hour, the same position for a new hire would be paid at A$28.84.
The company is pushing a model that encourages cheaper new hires over retaining skilled and experienced staff, and our members are not having it. Our members are thinking about the long-term, and they are thinking about the future they want for the people responsible for the success of Australia’s largest single-site entertainment venue,” said UWU Casinos Director Andrew Jones.
Jones called the offer a “US-style race to the bottom employment model” that goes “against the Australian way of life.” The UWU members voted 87% against the Crown Melbourne contract offer.
As a result, the 600 workers went on strike from 10 pm last night on New Year’s Eve until 2 am on New Year’s Day.
Crown Melbourne Details
Crown Melbourne is the largest casino in Australia with more than 500 table games and almost 3,000 electronic gaming positions. The resort features over two dozen restaurants and bars, retail shopping, a convention center, a full-service spa, and approximately 1,600 hotel rooms.
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