United Workers Union today called for all parties to prioritise the jobs of 8000 workers in Queensland and New South Wales as the future of Star Entertainment Group hangs in the balance.
United Workers Union, which represents thousands of Star casino workers, said the financial insecurity and uncertainty facing workers needed to end as quickly as possible.
“All parties – the company, regulators and governments – should be doing everything they can to keep Star’s doors open,” Andrew Jones, United Workers Union Casinos Director, said today.
“It’s not fair that hard-working Star employees could be left carrying the can for a series of regulatory and operational failures they have had nothing to do with.
“These are 8000 jobs that should not be thrown away.
“It’s hard to overstate the exhaustion and fear these workers have endured in the last couple of years, let alone the last couple of days.”
Mr Jones acknowledged that both NSW and Queensland Governments had been listening to Star’s case for assistance after going into a trading halt on Friday.
“Our members are urging all parties to seek a sensible resolution to allow Star to continue as a going concern,” Mr Jones said.
“We welcome the positive comments from Queensland’s Premier, Steven Miles, that Star’s case is being viewed favourably. We also recognise that the NSW Government has helped Star out in the past.”
Mr Jones said Star’s jobs were important to the economy, the communities where workers lived, and also impacted a large network of suppliers and other businesses.
“If Star’s current management fails to come to terms, workers need to be given assurances in any administration or sale scenario that their jobs will be maintained,” Mr Jones said.
“The casino’s recovery must prioritise the workforce, as casino workers are integral to the success of the operations.
“The fact is Star’s underlying operations are viable businesses that can and should meet the highest levels of regulatory oversight.
“For the sake of thousands of workers, their families, and their communities, there needs to be a commitment from all parties to providing the safe, stable workplaces our members deserve.
“The impact of getting this wrong would be devastating for Star workers and their families, leaving them and their local communities reeling.”