A tipster tells us the 200 cleaners at the Star Casino in Sydney are facing an uncertain Christmas, with workers told they could face the sack if they don’t sign new contracts with IKON Services contractors by mid-January. There are concerns about whether leave entitlements and other conditions in current contracts will carry over to the new contracts. We’ve asked Star Casino what is happening with cleaners, but have not heard back. The rumour comes in the same week that workers at Carlton United Breweries returned to work after a long-running battle between the brewery and the union over new contracts offered to workers at the site. The 55 employees managed to fight against new contracts that were set to reduce their pay and conditions.

Star Casino has responded:

“The employees currently employed by The Star in our Public Area will transition into employment with IKON Services from 16 January 2017. The transition will allow all employees to carry over their current entitlements and discretionary benefits.

“Employees who transition to IKON Services will retain their accrued entitlements and their discretionary employee benefits including: free Light Rail travel between The Star and Central Station, discounted onsite parking at The Star Sydney, employee discounts at The Star Sydney’s Food and Beverage outlets, access to the employee cafeteria, laundered uniforms. The Star is working closely with the employees and IKON Services to ensure a smooth transition into their new employment.”