Aquis: Only 10 percent will protest
Last Friday, staff members at Casino Canberra in the Australian capital city took industrial action over what they say are sub-par pay rates, according to the Canberra Times. They’re irked that the property’s new owner, Aquis Entertainment, run by Hong Kong billionaires Tony and Justin Fung, just plowed millions into an upgrade of the casino, but has not compensated employees at a higher level.
Aquis, meanwhile, claims the workers are well-paid and enjoy good working conditions; the company also said its investment helped to save the property. Staff from gaming, food and beverage, security and surveillance departments voted to take the industrial action, in other words, wearing union T-shirts instead of uniforms.
Since February, the union has been negotiating for a 3 percent pay raise over the current range of $19 and $22 an hour. “The casino spends millions on promotions and the like, but still cries poor when it comes to wage increases for the very people who actually generate their revenue” said United Voice ACT Secretary Lyndal Ryan. “The increase sought by the workers is moderate—3 percent above the award minimum. We’re hoping that senior executives take a long-term view and deliver the fair wages our members are seeking.”
In its reply, Aquis Entertainment said just 10 percent of the work force has chosen to join the protest, which appeared to be tied to its grand reopening after a $14 million renovation. “Aquis Entertainment has worked proactively with United Voice to progress negotiations, and we have agreed to a number of proposals put forward by the union,” the statement said. “Accordingly, we are concerned that the proposed industrial action, which may affect customer service in the short term and patronage in the longer term, is counterproductive not only to the casino but to its employees, including those that United Voice represents.”
In the statement, the company portrayed itself as the savior of Casino Canberra, which it said had not been profitable since 2009. It pointed out that the company took a loss of more than $5 million on the property in 2015. In addition to the multimillion-dollar improvement, which is aimed at bringing more international gamblers to Canberra, Aquis has also pitched a $307 million new casino project with hotels, restaurants and resort-style entertainment.
“The benefits of reinvesting in the business, after a long period of under-investment by our predecessor, will deliver meaningful career pathways in hospitality both to our current and future expanded workforce—outcomes the union should by supportive of,” Aquis stated.
