Star Brisbane Casino workers will escalate their protected industrial action tonight (EDS: Wednesday, 9 July), staging a four-hour strike during one of the busiest nights of the year – the State of Origin decider.
The high-stakes walkout follows Friday’s first-ever strike by Star Brisbane Casino workers and comes after Star management failed to return to the table with an improved offer.
Workers, represented by the United Workers Union, say they are left with no choice but to turn up the pressure after being offered a real-wage cut and seeing no progress on key issues, including a cut to Sunday penalty rates.
United Workers Union National Casinos Director Andrew Jones said the timing of the stoppage is no accident.
“If Star thinks it can sideline workers while the crowd’s packing in for one of the biggest nights in the footy calendar, they’ve got another thing coming,” Mr Jones said.
“Our members are taking the fight straight up the middle. State of Origin is a marquee event for the casino – and Star will feel the pressure from before kick-off.”
Hundreds of frontline staff from across the casino will stop work, many of whom have worked through the toughest periods in the company’s recent history, including regulatory crisis and public scrutiny.
The 2025 Brisbane Champs, a planned poker event for this week, has also been cancelled, highlighting the growing impact of the ongoing industrial action.
“These are the workers who kept Star Brisbane afloat through thick and thin. The ball is in Star’s court. Either come back with a fair offer or face further disruption. Our members are united, determined, and ready to stand up for what they’ve earned,” Mr Jones said.
Andrew Jones is available for interviews.
Note: Industrial action will take place from 6 pm to 10 pm on Wednesday, 9 July. However, due to end-of-shift responsibilities (e.g., returning materials and cash), workers will not be exiting the building until approximately 6:30 pm via the staff entry.
ENDS
Media Contact: 1300 898 633, [email protected]