Crown strikes called off as workers accept new offer

Up to 3600 Crown Melbourne workers had planned to go on strike from 6pm to 10pm on Saturday, which would have coincided with the $2 million Victoria Derby Day and run to Monday, the eve of the Melbourne Cup.

Just an hour before the strike was due to begin, the United Workers Union released a statement saying the pay deal had been accepted.

UWU director of casinos Dario Mujkic said the improved offer was only made possible through thousands of workers across the Crown complex working together to reach a deal that was right for them.

"Union members have fought hard to get to a proposal that a large majority of workers think is fair and reasonable," he said.

"We know the cost-of-living is cutting deep right now and that has been the focus for members this bargaining round."

The pay increase will mean a rise of approximately 5.6 per cent after the inclusion of increased weekend allowances for table dealers, and a six per cent increase for most hospitality workers.

The union said negotiations on Friday led to the enhanced increase in base rates of pay and weekend allowances, as well as better work-life balance for rosters and recognition for workers' service with time-based pay progression.

Two agreements, one for front-of-house staff and another for managers, have both been approved by union members.

Crown Melbourne chief executive Michael Volkert announced in a workplace note on Friday the company and union had negotiated what was a "great outcome for team members".

Under the two-year deal, Mr Volkert said workers would get yearly pay increases, increased weekend allowances, improved penalty rates over Christmas, service-based progression and improved redundancy provisions.

"The proposed agreement builds on the pay increases and hourly weekend allowances that were introduced earlier this year, and importantly helps us reposition Crown and sustainably grow our business into the future," he said.

Australian Associated Press