The Fair Work Commission has announced it will adopt the Australian Hotels Association’s proposal to insert loaded rates into the hospitality award.
The AHA has welcomed the announcement, saying it is an outcome that will simplify the system for employers and assist compliance.
AHA CEO Stephen Ferguson said Australia’s hotels and hospitality businesses will benefit from a simplified award system that is notoriously complex.
“The overwhelming majority of hospitality employers do the right thing, but not all businesses have the resources to employ dedicated workplace relations teams,” Ferguson said.
“Initiatives such as loaded rates are critical in preventing unintended breaches of workplace laws.
“The 65 per cent of Australian hotels that are family–owned and operated are the biggest beneficiaries from loaded rates, as they won’t have to spend days labouring over complex pay rates to ensure they are compliant.
“Today’s decision will ensure businesses can spend more time running their hotels, bars, taverns, pubs and restaurants and less time pushing paper – this directly assists with job creation.
“It delivers certainty and choice for employers and employees alike, while providing businesses with greater confidence to navigate their workplace obligations.
“We thank the Federal Government for initiating the process that led to this outcome – an important practical measure that will benefit both employers and employees.”