Penalty rates 'tragic' for tourist economy

    by: Chip Le Grand
    From: The Australian
    December 29, 2012


SUMMER should be a time of plenty for restaurant owners in Noosa, one of Australia's favourite holiday towns. Instead, there are days this summer when hungry tourists will struggle to find somewhere to eat along Hastings Street as business owners shut their doors against the rising cost of penalty wages.    

As the peak union body the ACTU campaigns for penalty rates to be enshrined in legislation, Queensland's Sunshine Coast mecca is feeling the brunt of a wage regime that punishes businesses that trade when the rest of Australia plays.

Leading Noosa restaurateur Jim Berardo says the unintended consequences -- less places to eat and fewer shifts to work -- are "tragic" for his town's tourist-dependent economy.     ::)

Local chamber of commerce and industry president Carl Beck agrees the growing wages bill is hurting employers and employees alike. "The thing this government carries on about is looking after the worker. They are actually hobbling the worker," he said.


When the Rudd government embarked on its "award modernisation" process in 2008, Mr Berardo paid his casual waiters a flat rate. Now he must pay them loadings to work evenings, weekends and public holidays -- the only times he opens.

The full impact will be felt at the end of the government's five-year phase-in period but is already starting to bite, with casual waiters earning $45.15 an hour on public holidays.

The bottom line for Berardo's, one of a handful of restaurants open in Noosa on Christmas Day, is that despite having a full dining room and imposing a $15 surcharge, the business lost money. Mr Berardo says he opened only out of a sense of civic duty. New Year's Day will be much the same.

"You have got tens of thousands of people here in Noosa and no place to eat on public holidays because people cannot afford to keep their doors open," he said.

"Small businesses, restaurants and cafes cannot exist under those wage rates. As we said all along, you are going to put us out of business. The system is all wrong."

In an interview with The Australian earlier this week, ACTU secretary Dave Oliver flagged an election-year push by the union movement to legislate penalty rates as a minimum entitlement of employment. While the legislation would not dictate the rates businesses have to pay, it would entrench penalty rates in the national wage system. There is bipartisan support for penalty rates.     [smiley=thumbsup.gif]   

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten warns against a "surrender" of weekends to work and argues anyone working public holidays deserves to be compensated for their loss of family time. Opposition spokesman Eric Abetz this week reiterated his support for penalty rates, telling The Weekend Australian that weekend and holiday loadings have "a proper place".

However, Senator Abetz was sceptical of the need to legislate penalty rates, which are being reviewed by Fair Work Australia. "It ought to be the independent umpire, the Fair Work Commission, determining what a fair, reasonable, balanced approach to all that should be," he said.

Wages have been adjusted along a sliding scale for the past three years and the changes will be complete by 2014. By then, Mr Berardo warns, many of Noosa's tables will be bare.

Restaurant & Catering Australia chief executive John Hart says the push to legislate penalty rates is unrealistic and out of touch.

A survey commissioned by his association earlier this year found one-third of businesses were planning to shut over holiday periods in response to rising wages.

"It is a total and utter nonsense to say the pendulum can be pushed any further in favour of employees because industries will grind to a halt," Mr Hart said. "It is already at a point where businesses are shutting because of the penalty rate regime in retail and hospitality.

"I don't see how they can arrive at any conclusion that they can push it further.

"We need to look at this from the view of the employees as well and I don't know that the union movement is actually representing the views of the employees; they are representing the views of the union movement."

Mr Beck says he witnessed the impact on Noosa earlier this week when he drove along Gympie Terrace, a popular strip outside Hastings Street. By rough count, he estimated half the restaurants were closed. While some owners may have chosen to take holidays, Mr Beck has no doubt penalty rates are forcing reluctant vacations.

"The problem with the union movement is none of these guys have ever run a business. They don't understand what it takes to run a restaurant and how many hours are involved for the owners.

"It just seems that at every opportunity they get, they are making it harder and harder for small businesses to make a dollar," he said.

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten warns against a "surrender" of weekends to work and argues anyone working public holidays deserves to be compensated for their loss of family time.  Yes thank you Mr Shorten, you are right.  If they want people to work these hours, then they must pay their penelty rates.     ;)   

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 2:38pm:

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten warns against a "surrender" of weekends to work and argues anyone working public holidays deserves to be compensated for their loss of family time.  Yes thank you Mr Shorten, you are right.  If they want people to work these hours, then they must pay their penelty rates.     ;)

or go out of business and shut up shop. Either way it is yet another labor success story

If they dont want, they dont have to open.     ;)

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 2:38pm:

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten warns against a "surrender" of weekends to work and argues anyone working public holidays deserves to be compensated for their loss of family time.  Yes thank you Mr Shorten, you are right.  If they want people to work these hours, then they must pay their penelty rates.     ;)

And when the business folds because it can't cover the costs?

Who cares, hey. As long as you stuck it to a business owner!

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 3:47pm:

If they dont want, they dont have to open.     ;)

That's what shutting up shop means ya winner.

How typical it is, always try and get the low income workers to work for less.  A lot of low income workers rely on the penalty rates, to help make ends meet.  Simple if you don't want to pay penalty rates then don't.  Just don't expect them to work those hours then.     :(      

did you even read your own stupid thread bludger-boy??? the result is that the shops ARENT OPENING and workers arent getting paid. On what planet is that a worker victory? less hours, less pay.

a victory for whom, you lazy bugger?

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:00pm:

How typical it is, always try and get the low income workers to work for less.  A lot of low income workers rely on the penalty rates, to help make ends meet.  Simple if you don't want to pay penalty rates then don't.  Just don't expect them to work those hours then.     :(

And just who do you think is pouring into our country by the boatload? These inbound people will work for $5 per hour if given the chance and they will do more to undercut wages and conditions than any restaurant owner will. But you say they are welcome so suck it up  princess.

I say people should be paid, no less than the minimum award rate of pay, and if they are then its illegal.     >:(

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:00pm:

How typical it is, always try and get the low income workers to work for less.  A lot of low income workers rely on the penalty rates, to help make ends meet.  Simple if you don't want to pay penalty rates then don't.  Just don't expect them to work those hours then.     :(

Well now they can live on the dole as there will be no penalty rates when the restaurant goes out of business.



But since you are all about the big pay packet maybe you should open a business using only your business philosophies. Pay top dollar to employees and sell everything extremely cheap to all customers and somehow magically still make a living yourself.  ;D

You, as always, are totally full of sh1t

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:09pm:

I say people should be paid, no less than the minimum award rate of pay, and if they are then its illegal.     >:(

Those workers will not be paid less than the award, they will not be paid at all, they will be unemployed.

It is the cornerstone of labor policy, so you have to happy that it is working out as planned.

With some people around like you, thank goodness for the unions.   :(

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:14pm:

With some people around like you, thank goodness for the unions.   :(

There is NO friggen job the restaurants are shutting down, what use are bloody unions?

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:14pm:

With some people around like you, thank goodness for the unions.   :(

with people like you there will be no unions at all. unions have WORKING members. under your brain-dead idiocy no one would have a job because you would have more demands than it would be worth to an employer.

I understand now why you have never worked. you dont even understand the concept. yu are definately someone who should be denied the dole.

Slave labour went out years ago.  If you had your way, there wouldn't even be a minimum wage.     >:(

I wonder if it's the actual retail space that is becoming unafordable.

Rents will drop when the shops have been vacant for a while, a new business will open, they'll pay less rent so they will be able to afford the penalty rates.

Poor Hastings Street. Even Bert and Patty Newton said it was the snobbiest place they've ever been to and coming from them, that's something.

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:22pm:

Slave labour went out years ago.  If you had your way, there wouldn't even be a minimum wage.     >:(

if you had your way no one would work - like you.  then who will pay your dole??

lazy moron.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:24pm:

I wonder if it's the actual retail space that is becoming unafordable. Rents will drop when the shops have been vacant for a while, a new business will open, they'll pay less rent so they will be able to afford the penalty rates. Poor Hastings Street. Even Bert and Patty Newton said it was the snobbiest place they've ever been to and coming from them, that's something.

maybe, maybe not. or perhaps it will be like what USUALLY happens is that the area becomes half full of closed shops and then becomes a less desirable location so people dont come and then the rest go under  as well.

all because of penalty rates.  IMFULLOFIT must be so proud. ideology held proud as 200 more people join the dole queue.

What an idiot you are gold, you are just a self centred greedy person.   >:(

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:29pm:

What an idiot you are gold, you are just a self centred greedy person.   >:(

how do you figure that lazy bugger? I work and pay taxes while you dont work and suck up a dole you dont deserve. and you promote policies determined to reduce the income of others by forcing their employers to not hire them at all.

you are definitionally self-centred as well as being almost as stupid as SOB.

You work and pay taxes, but you and a few others not to mention any names, whinge the most about paying taxes.  I bet that you are on very good money, and good luck to you for that.  Yet you don't want low income workers to get penalty rates, for working the weekend.  Which by the way as I pointed out, a lot of them rely on just to make ends meet.  You don't mind CEOs getting millions of dollars, and huge out of this world bonuses.  Yet when the low income workers want a pay rise, its oh no cant afford that.  You don't like the unemployed, yet whinge about a lousy $50 a week extra, for people that are surviving in poverty.  Yes, I am afraid to say you are self centered and greedy.     >:( 

wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:56pm:

You work and pay taxes, but you and a few others not to mention any names, whinge the most about paying taxes.  I bet that you are on very good money, and good luck to you for that.  Yet you don't want low income workers to get penalty rates, for working the weekend.  Which by the way as I pointed out, a lot of them rely on just to make ends meet.  You don't mind CEOs getting millions of dollars, and huge out of this world bonuses.  Yet when the low income workers want a pay rise, its oh no cant afford that.  You don't like the unemployed, yet whinge about a lousy $50 a week extra, for people that are surviving in poverty.  Yes, I am afraid to say you are self centered and greedy.     >:(

none of which is even remotely true. what IS true however, is your complete refusal to work but your willingness to complain about not being paid enough for your zero effort.

lazy bugger. self-centred greedy sod.

Yes that's what you are.  Self centered and greedy.     :P

gold_medal wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 5:17pm:

none of which is even remotely true. what IS true however, is your complete refusal to work but your willingness to complain about not being paid enough for your zero effort. lazy bugger. self-centred greedy sod.

Have you gone off your head longy? You don't know the guy from a bar of soap but you keep making up stuff about him. What gives?

Would you rather work for $20 an hour for 5-6 hours

Or

work no hours and make no money cause the owner can't afford to pay double time??


How you going to pay ya bills if your not getting any work cause the doors are shut???

In an interview with The Australian earlier this week, ACTU secretary Dave Oliver flagged an election-year push by the union movement to legislate penalty rates as a minimum entitlement of employment. While the legislation would not dictate the rates businesses have to pay, it would entrench penalty rates in the national wage system. There is bipartisan support for penalty rates.     [smiley=thumbsup.gif]    

Business push to slash penalty rates must be resisted
18 December, 2012 | Media Release The ACTU has warned against an employer push to reduce or remove weekend penalty rates in Awards and cut the take home pay of over 500,000 low-paid workers.

Fair Work Australia will today hear submissions in Melbourne from employer groups who want to remove or reduce penalty rates in awards for workers in retail, hospitality, tourism and other industries.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said that employers were launching a co-ordinated attack on penalty rates in the lead up to next year’s Federal Election.     :(

“Twenty different submissions have been made to Fair Work Australia to cut penalty rates with little or no regard for the effect on workers,” Ms Kearney said.

“More workers than ever will be required to work on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day in the next fortnight. The penalty rates they get may not be there next year.

“If these employer applications succeed, 500,000 low-paid workers will be out of pocket by anything up to $105 for a 6 hour shift on a Sunday.     :(

“The financial pressures on working Australians are as great today as they have ever been. Penalty rates have existed for decades to compensate award-reliant workers for the effects that working unsociable hours have on health, family and social life.

“They are a fair recognition of what workers are required to sacrifice to keep businesses running on week-ends and public holidays.

“For low-paid workers, penalty rates can be the extra money that allows them to pay rent and bills.    

“There is no evidence reducing penalty rates will create new jobs, and plenty of evidence it will hurt low-paid workers,” Ms Kearney said.

Among the employer submissions:     :(

•    The National Retail Association and the Australian Industry Group have called for penalty rates in the fast food industry to be removed altogether on weekends;

•    Employer associations representing major retailers have applied to reduce Sunday penalties from double-time to time-and-a half;

•    The Hair and Beauty Industry Association has applied to remove penalty rates on weekends altogether for hairdressers;

•    The Accommodation Association of Australia has sought to reduce penalties for hospitality workers on Sundays, and for casual workers on Saturdays; and

•    The Restaurant and Catering Association want penalty rates only apply in restaurants after an employee has worked 6 consecutive days – which would enable restaurants to avoid paying penalty rates by altering roster arrangements.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:24pm:

I wonder if it's the actual retail space that is becoming unafordable. Rents will drop when the shops have been vacant for a while, a new business will open, they'll pay less rent so they will be able to afford the penalty rates. Poor Hastings Street. Even Bert and Patty Newton said it was the snobbiest place they've ever been to and coming from them, that's something.

I think you are right. And the thing is that when there are a few vacancies the rents wont go down because its "noosa". It costs something like $50 a night to pitch a tent in the caravan park there. It is a greedy place and no wonder employers want to pay their staff peanuts. Somehow i doubt that closing on the weekend is going to make anyone go broke in a tourist destination. In fact they wouldn't shut on weekends if there werent other factors going on. Blaming it on penalty rates is just playing an agenda for the media and state govt prolly.

SOB

gold_medal wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:36pm:

wrote on Dec 31st, 2012 at 4:29pm: What an idiot you are gold, you are just a self centred greedy person.   >:( how do you figure that lazy bugger? I work and pay taxes while you dont work and suck up a dole you dont deserve. and you promote policies determined to reduce the income of others by forcing their employers to not hire them at all. you are definitionally self-centred as well as being almost as stupid as SOB.

I think its "definitionally" obvious who the stupid one is around here.

SOB

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 5:23am:

gold_medal wrote on Dec 31st, 2012 at 4:36pm: wrote on Dec 31st, 2012 at 4:29pm: What an idiot you are gold, you are just a self centred greedy person.   >:( how do you figure that lazy bugger? I work and pay taxes while you dont work and suck up a dole you dont deserve. and you promote policies determined to reduce the income of others by forcing their employers to not hire them at all. you are definitionally self-centred as well as being almost as stupid as SOB. I think its "definitionally" obvious who the stupid one is around here. SOB

Longweekend has had a brain melt, he's turned into a rambling idiot, what he writes doesn't even make sense. It could be early onset Alzheimer's, you should get a check up longy.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 6:38am:

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 5:23am: gold_medal wrote on Dec 31st, 2012 at 4:36pm: wrote on Dec 31st, 2012 at 4:29pm: What an idiot you are gold, you are just a self centred greedy person.   >:( how do you figure that lazy bugger? I work and pay taxes while you dont work and suck up a dole you dont deserve. and you promote policies determined to reduce the income of others by forcing their employers to not hire them at all. you are definitionally self-centred as well as being almost as stupid as SOB. I think its "definitionally" obvious who the stupid one is around here. SOB Longweekend has had a brain melt, he's turned into a rambling idiot, what he writes doesn't even make sense. It could be early onset Alzheimer's, you should get a check up longy.

says yuo who supports the dole-bludging IMFULLOFIT

gold_medal wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 10:11am:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 6:38am: Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 5:23am: gold_medal wrote on Dec 31st, 2012 at 4:36pm: wrote on Dec 31st, 2012 at 4:29pm: What an idiot you are gold, you are just a self centred greedy person.   >:( how do you figure that lazy bugger? I work and pay taxes while you dont work and suck up a dole you dont deserve. and you promote policies determined to reduce the income of others by forcing their employers to not hire them at all. you are definitionally self-centred as well as being almost as stupid as SOB. I think its "definitionally" obvious who the stupid one is around here. SOB Longweekend has had a brain melt, he's turned into a rambling idiot, what he writes doesn't even make sense. It could be early onset Alzheimer's, you should get a check up longy. says yuo who supports the dole-bludging IMFULLOFIT

forgiven for an untrue statement.
namaste

It gives me the shytes

Ever time a business is going bad or their profits are down from last year they start to blame the workers.

why don't they blame the landlord for high rents, local council for the high rates and taxes, why not blame the government both state and federal for all the red tape a business has to go through and to have eg fees for business registration, license fees if they sell alcoholic etc.

Don't forget if there is no workers there is no customers, workers need a job to earn money then they can spend money in other business

John S wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 10:28am:

It gives me the shytes Ever time a business is going bad or their profits are down from last year they start to blame the workers. why don't they blame the landlord for high rents, local council for the high rates and taxes, why not blame the government both state and federal for all the red tape a business has to go through and to have eg fees for business registration, license fees if they sell alcoholic etc. Don't forget if there is no workers there is no customers, workers need a job to earn money then they can spend money in other business

the single biggest expense in virtually every business in wages. it certinaly is in the food industry. dont just pretend that wage pressures dont come into play.

retail and the food industry are low-margin operations and so there is not much gap between good success and abject failure. Dont try and pretend otherwise.

says you who supports the dole-bludging IMFULLOFIT.  Another go at the unemployed.  Mr Greedy.  If you think its so good, why don't you try it for a while Mr Greedy.            

gold_medal wrote on Dec 31^st, 2012 at 4:16pm:

wrote on Dec 31st, 2012 at 4:14pm: With some people around like you, thank goodness for the unions.   :( with people like you there will be no unions at all. unions have WORKING members. under your brain-dead idiocy no one would have a job because you would have more demands than it would be worth to an employer. I understand now why you have never worked. you dont even understand the concept. yu are definately someone who should be denied the dole.

It takes one to know one longloser ;D

wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 10:40am:

says you who supports the dole-bludging IMFULLOFIT.  Another go at the unemployed.  Mr Greedy.  If you think its so good, why don't you try it for a while Mr Greedy.

That's it! The Best! The year's less than 12 hours old and we already have what must be the most stupid post for 2013.

The Heartless Felon wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 10:56am:

wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:40am: says you who supports the dole-bludging IMFULLOFIT.  Another go at the unemployed.  Mr Greedy.  If you think its so good, why don't you try it for a while Mr Greedy.             That's it! The Best! The year's less than 12 hours old and we already have what must be the most stupid post for 2103.

give SOB some time. IMFULLOFIT is perenially dense but SIB has the stupid-stakes more than covered. It is yet another skill that IMFULLOFIT cant do as well as others.

gold_medal wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 10:35am:

John S wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:28am: It gives me the shytes Ever time a business is going bad or their profits are down from last year they start to blame the workers. why don't they blame the landlord for high rents, local council for the high rates and taxes, why not blame the government both state and federal for all the red tape a business has to go through and to have eg fees for business registration, license fees if they sell alcoholic etc. Don't forget if there is no workers there is no customers, workers need a job to earn money then they can spend money in other business the single biggest expense in virtually every business in wages. it certinaly is in the food industry. dont just pretend that wage pressures dont come into play. retail and the food industry are low-margin operations and so there is not much gap between good success and abject failure. Dont try and pretend otherwise.

Have you ever work in the food or hospitality industry longy.

you would find it is one of the lowest paid industry there is.

Well said wise one, and people like Gold ( Mr Greedy) want low income workers to lose their penalty rates.     :(    

The Australian has crusaded against penal rates for years. The piece that started this thread is an annual grizzle.

Before deciding whether to open Christmas Day, Mr Berardo presumably did his homework and worked out that even if he filled the place he would lose money. Yet he decided to open, anyway.

We can assume his business is doing well enough to stand the loss.

Penal rates are compensation for workers being away from their families when most other people are enjoying a break. Their existence demonstrate Australia is a country where families matter.

Tourists should recognise that and appreciate it. They can always make some egg sandwiches.

gold_medal wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 11:52am:

The Heartless Felon wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:56am: wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:40am: says you who supports the dole-bludging IMFULLOFIT.  Another go at the unemployed.  Mr Greedy.  If you think its so good, why don't you try it for a while Mr Greedy.             That's it! The Best! The year's less than 12 hours old and we already have what must be the most stupid post for 2103. give SOB some time. IMFULLOFIT is perenially dense but SIB has the stupid-stakes more than covered. It is yet another skill that IMFULLOFIT cant do as well as others.

Looking for another prolonged suspension? Reported.

SOB

FYI Mr Greedy

http://www.rcsa.asn.au/uploads/files/Hospitality%20Industry%20General%20Award%202010.pdf

John S wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 12:03pm:

gold_medal wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:35am: John S wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:28am: It gives me the shytes Ever time a business is going bad or their profits are down from last year they start to blame the workers. why don't they blame the landlord for high rents, local council for the high rates and taxes, why not blame the government both state and federal for all the red tape a business has to go through and to have eg fees for business registration, license fees if they sell alcoholic etc. Don't forget if there is no workers there is no customers, workers need a job to earn money then they can spend money in other business the single biggest expense in virtually every business in wages. it certinaly is in the food industry. dont just pretend that wage pressures dont come into play. retail and the food industry are low-margin operations and so there is not much gap between good success and abject failure. Dont try and pretend otherwise. Have you ever work in the food or hospitality industry longy. you would find it is one of the lowest paid industry there is.

IM fully aware of that. Or do you want the price of restaruants etc to rise so they can be paid more? no, of course not. its a competitive market.

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 12:41pm:

gold_medal wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 11:52am: The Heartless Felon wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:56am: wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:40am: says you who supports the dole-bludging IMFULLOFIT.  Another go at the unemployed.  Mr Greedy.  If you think its so good, why don't you try it for a while Mr Greedy.             That's it! The Best! The year's less than 12 hours old and we already have what must be the most stupid post for 2103. give SOB some time. IMFULLOFIT is perenially dense but SIB has the stupid-stakes more than covered. It is yet another skill that IMFULLOFIT cant do as well as others. Looking for another prolonged suspension? Reported. SOB

i wasnt suspended before, dimwit. i WORK and prefer to get paid instead of arguing with dopes like you.

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure . . . .  . .

SOB

gold_medal wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 2:35pm:

John S wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 12:03pm: gold_medal wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:35am: John S wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:28am: It gives me the shytes Ever time a business is going bad or their profits are down from last year they start to blame the workers. why don't they blame the landlord for high rents, local council for the high rates and taxes, why not blame the government both state and federal for all the red tape a business has to go through and to have eg fees for business registration, license fees if they sell alcoholic etc. Don't forget if there is no workers there is no customers, workers need a job to earn money then they can spend money in other business the single biggest expense in virtually every business in wages. it certinaly is in the food industry. dont just pretend that wage pressures dont come into play. retail and the food industry are low-margin operations and so there is not much gap between good success and abject failure. Dont try and pretend otherwise. Have you ever work in the food or hospitality industry longy. you would find it is one of the lowest paid industry there is. IM fully aware of that. Or do you want the price of restaruants etc to rise so they can be paid more? no, of course not. its a competitive market.

Who said anything about a pay raise it is all about keeping their penalty rates if you read the OP

Would you work for $32,000 a year I bet you wouldn't and that is what level 2 hospitality workers would be earning if they loss their penalty


Quote:

Clerical grade 1  583.00  15.34 Cook grade 1 Door person/security officer grade 1 Food and beverage attendant grade 2 Front office grade 1 Guest service grade 2 Kitchen attendant grade 2 Leisure attendant grade 1 Storeperson grade 1 http://www.rcsa.asn.au/uploads/files/Hospitality%20Industry%20General%20Award%202010.pdf page 13

But carry on longy and stick up for the owners and say that hospitality workers shouldn't get penalty rates

A Bit Hard For Tourists To Find Somewhere To Eat.

Another story designed to mislead ... Macca's is always open in Noosa.

John S wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 7:44pm:

gold_medal wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 2:35pm: John S wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 12:03pm: gold_medal wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:35am: John S wrote on Jan 1st, 2013 at 10:28am: It gives me the shytes Ever time a business is going bad or their profits are down from last year they start to blame the workers. why don't they blame the landlord for high rents, local council for the high rates and taxes, why not blame the government both state and federal for all the red tape a business has to go through and to have eg fees for business registration, license fees if they sell alcoholic etc. Don't forget if there is no workers there is no customers, workers need a job to earn money then they can spend money in other business the single biggest expense in virtually every business in wages. it certinaly is in the food industry. dont just pretend that wage pressures dont come into play. retail and the food industry are low-margin operations and so there is not much gap between good success and abject failure. Dont try and pretend otherwise. Have you ever work in the food or hospitality industry longy. you would find it is one of the lowest paid industry there is. IM fully aware of that. Or do you want the price of restaruants etc to rise so they can be paid more? no, of course not. its a competitive market. Who said anything about a pay raise it is all about keeping their penalty rates if you read the OP Would you work for $32,000 a year I bet you wouldn't and that is what level 2 hospitality workers would be earning if they loss their penalty Quote: Clerical grade 1  583.00  15.34 Cook grade 1 Door person/security officer grade 1 Food and beverage attendant grade 2 Front office grade 1 Guest service grade 2 Kitchen attendant grade 2 Leisure attendant grade 1 Storeperson grade 1 http://www.rcsa.asn.au/uploads/files/Hospitality%20Industry%20General%20Award%202010.pdf page 13 But carry on longy and stick up for the owners and say that hospitality workers shouldn't get penalty rates

if you had half a brain you'd have seen that my argument was about balancing what you think is fair and what is actually acheivable. Such nuances obviosly escape you. penalty rates might be all nice and even fair but if their existence leads to places not opening at all then how is that a victory for anyone? everyone loses.

now see if you can misinterpret that some more. Im sure you can - and probably without trying too hard.

with casual waiters earning $45.15 an hour on public holidays.

On x'mas day thay can shove their $45 up their clacker.

175% extra is a bit high on a normal PH but they can use full employees at 150% if they prefer.

I would think that if they are making a loss it is more a problem with their business model casual employees are the most expensive and the prices charged should reflect the cost of service provision.

John Smith wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 8:17pm:

A Bit Hard For Tourists To Find Somewhere To Eat. Another story designed to mislead ... Macca's is always open in Noosa.

And they don't charge $10 to look at the menu. Good riddance to overpriced, badly cooked 'food'. There's always the pub for a good counter meal.

gold_medal wrote on Jan 1^st, 2013 at 10:28pm:

if you had half a brain you'd have seen that my argument was about balancing what you think is fair and what is actually acheivable. Such nuances obviosly escape you. penalty rates might be all nice and even fair but if their existence leads to places not opening at all then how is that a victory for anyone? everyone loses. now see if you can misinterpret that some more. Im sure you can - and probably without trying too hard.

Resturants will close down just as quick if they can not get good staff to provide the service.

I don't think that 175% is excessive for X'mas day but for an average PH maybe it could be justifiable pruned back a little - 125% or close, still a reasonable rate for the day but a little more affordable for the business.