‘Loophole’ Changes A Win For Hotels From the President DAVID BASHEER
Previous issues of this magazine have focussed on the Federal Government’s ‘Closing the Loopholes’ industrial bill, with an emphasis on the devastating impact it would have had on our ability to employ causals. The bill, due to be debated in Federal Parliament next February, threatened to make the employment of casuals - as we know it - almost impossible, and would have severely eroded the very way we conduct our business. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our national CEO Stephen Ferguson and his small IR team, along with Owen Webb in the SA office, the AHA has averted the very worst aspects of this bill. Every employer group has signalled strong concerns about this bill and its negative impacts on their sector. The AHA went about its business as it has always done - avoiding public
debate and doing the deal at the coal face. The result is rather than create a headline, the AHA created a solution. And once again, we have been recognised by government as a voice of reason. I would like to reinforce the comments of our national office in thanking the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Burke, for taking the time to listen to our concerns and taking actions to address them. While there is still work to be done, we now have certainty for casual workers who want to remain exactly that – casual workers. In our national media release, our CEO Stephen Ferguson said the outcome was “good news for both casuals and employers alike.” “The simple fact is many hospitality workers do actually prefer casual
“The simple fact is many hospitality workers do actually prefer casual employment, given the 25% wage loading and the flexibility to refuse shifts.” 4 | Hotel SA | W W W . A H A S A . A S N . A U
employment, given the 25% wage loading and the flexibility to refuse shifts. “Our concern with the original Bill was that employers would no longer be able to provider systemic regular casual employment to those workers who were happy with it. “The amendments which have been committed to provide much more certainty and fairness for workers and employers and can be chalked up as a win for both.” “They strike the right balance.” Our Association also welcomes a commitment by the Government to remove the civil penalty provision relating to misrepresentation of casual employment in the Bill. Any mistakes, disputes or questions will be able to be dealt with by the independent umpire, the Fair Work Commission. The nature of our businesses which is a world away from the ‘Monday to Friday, 9-5’ environment means casuals will always be at the heart of our rostering. And our pubs give so many people their first job in life. Give University students the chance to fund their studies. The change in approach by the Federal Government last week has ensured that can continue. Back to Contents
