DEFERRAL OF ANNUAL WAGE RISE
The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) has welcomed today’s decision by the Fair Work Commission regarding the deferral of the 1.75% annual wage increase for hospitality staff until February 2021.
AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson commended the Commission’s Minimum Wage Panel for their support during what has been the most challenging period on record for Australia’s hospitality, accommodation and tourism sector.
“Through our representatives, the AHA and its subsidiary Tourism Accommodation Australia argued for a deferral of any annual wage increase to help provide additional support to businesses who are only just beginning to reopen after extended COVID-19 restrictions,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The reprieve offered by the Commission today will provide hospitality businesses with the extra breathing room they need as the industry seeks to recover from months of zero revenue.
“As an association we remain firmly focused on ensuring that the JobKeeper Payment scheme is extended for Australia’s hospitality industry.
“This extension is absolutely essential – failure to do so will result in the loss of many jobs across our sector and we will also see a significant reduction in hours for remaining employees.
“Today’s decision by the Commission is a very welcome one, however it will do little for the employees that are forced out of a job if JobKeeper is ended for our industry in September.”
The Commission announced that the following Awards relevant to Australia’s hospitality workforce has the 1.75% increase delayed until the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 February 2021:
- Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020;
- Restaurant Industry Award 2020;
- Alpine Resorts Award 2020
- Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2020;
- Fast Food Industry Award 2010;
- Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award 2020;
- Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2010