Australian operator Crown could face disruptive strike action after failing to agree a pay deal with employees.

Fair Work Australia authorised the company’s employees to participate in a ballot to determine whether industrial action ought to be taken by members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union.

The union has called for Crown to commit to a 4.5 per cent wage increase each year for the next three years and to address "major faults" in the classification of table games, which it claims costs dealers thousands of dollars a year.

Crown management offered a 3.5 per cent pay increase in 2010 and 2011, followed by a four per cent increase the following year but the union withdrew its offer in favour of calling a ballot.

"Experienced, properly-trained staff are vital to ensuring gaming and alcohol are served responsibly at Crown," said Jess Walsh, Victoria secretary of LHMU. "But Crown has sent a clear message it does not value the loyalty, dedication and experience of its staff. It only cares about one thing: making more money, whatever the cost to the community or its own staff.

"It has told staff it cannot afford a fair wage increase and needs to make changes that could cost experienced dealers almost $5k a year, despite its $300m profit.
"Thousands of union members at Crown have already pledged to take industrial action. Crown staff are united in their determination to win good jobs and fair wages."

Crown spokesman Gary O’Neill said: "We are disappointed with the response. We thought negotiations were ongoing and that progress had been made. There are a number of issues on the table and we are still open to negotiating. We are confident we have the resources to keep the casino and other parts of the complex operating if they do vote to strike."