Agreements foster flexibility in the hospitality industry

29 August 2001 - The Australian Hotels Association says that the hospitality industry is making increasing of agreements to manage issues of shift work and overtime effectively. New statistics support the view that federal collective agreements, or enterprise bargaining practices, are fostering increased flexibility and efficiency in the accommodation and hospitality sector.

Citing the latest Trends in Enterprise Bargaining Report, AHA National Manager - Public Affairs, Simon Birmingham says that:

"The hospitality industry is the most likely industry sector to include provisions in relation to shift work in enterprise bargaining agreements." Over 30% of agreements outle flexible workplace arrangements for different types of shifts, including length of shifts or allowing split shifts.

"in conjunction with this, 47% of all hospitality industry agreements include provisions for time off in lieu of overtime, while 75% include agreements on penalty rates.

"Importantly, flexible workplace agreements are tailored to suit the needs and demands of employees too, which is crucial to achieving satisfaction in an industry employing high numbers of young people and working parents."

Simon Birmingham considers that flexibility of collective agreements is crucial to achieving greater efficiencies and consumer satisfaction in the hospitality industry.

"Hospitality is a people business. Hospitality businesses need to be open and ready to serve when the consumer demands it - at meal times, overnight or for special events and functions.

"Flexible and efficient employment and trading conditions are crucial to the success of our industry and our members individual businesses. The establishment of collective agreements has allowed hundreds of businesses covering thousands of employees to develop individualized practices to suit their own needs."