Download the CLA hospitality here.
Last month we published the results of an independent study on what hospitality workers believe is needed to make the hospitality sector future-proof and attractive again. This month, I am addressing a few themes that play a key role in the discussion about the future of our beautiful sector. This time, it’s about the salary in the hospitality industry.
Hospitality is the worst-paid sector
Everyone who works wants a good salary, and in many sectors, that is the reality. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the hospitality industry. It saddens me to conclude year after year that the hospitality sector is one of the worst-paying sectors, with the lowest average hourly salary. It’s no wonder we have seen colleagues leave for other sectors like transport, retail, and healthcare because they can earn more there. Often out of financial necessity. A quarter of hospitality workers struggle to make ends meet on their income. It shouldn’t be the case that they need to take on an additional job.
Reducing staff shortages
Salaries in the hospitality sector need to improve significantly, according to hospitality workers in the study. If the remuneration improves, skilled workers are less likely to leave, and young people are more likely to choose education or a career in hospitality. This is where we need to head. Step by step, we can reduce the massive staff shortages in the sector. So that businesses can once again have a complete team and thrive.
A better reward
A better reward. These three words are causing quite a discussion at the moment. How can you ask this of businesses that have just survived the coronavirus crisis and are burdened with large debts?
Of course, I am aware of this. We will not put undue pressure on employers. Moreover, employees are not asking for the moon, but they do need to be able to pay their bills. Additionally, when employees have to choose between a permanent contract and better pay, they prefer security over remuneration. It’s not just about the amount but also the guarantee and certainty of a certain income.
Focus on what staff deliver
Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs view staff remuneration as an unpleasant expense. They want to keep staff costs as low as possible and complain about how much staff costs them. However, I believe the discussion should focus on what staff—the gold of the company—deliver.
I often tell entrepreneurs: value and reward your employees well, make optimal use of their Insights and skills, and you will see your turnover increase. Turnover that can be used to pay off debts and build a sustainable future. Employers largely hold the solution to their problems in their own hands.
Investing in staff pays off
Fortunately, there are employers who understand how it works and act accordingly. They consider education and experience in remuneration and see that investing in better pay is proportionate to turnover and profitability. Unfortunately, a large part of entrepreneurs remains stuck in the old pattern. Where they question the usefulness of a CLA and prefer to replace it with ‘customisation’ and ‘individual agreements’ with employees. A situation where employers set wages themselves. Well, no employee benefits from that!
Hospitality CLA
It is therefore all the more important that we agree on a CLA in the hospitality sector. Where employers and employees make agreements about remuneration, contracts, training, Your career, etc. This ensures a level playing field for all employers—large and small—and prevents salary from becoming a unique selling point because there is simply a good foundation.
What do you think?
Finally. I would like to hear from you how you view ‘rewarding’.
Do you know exactly what you are entitled to according to the CLA and do you receive it? Do you ever talk to your colleagues or other hospitality workers about what they earn? Do you know if what you earn is market-conform?
I am also curious about the solutions you see to increase salaries. How can we ensure that remuneration is balanced with the work we do in hospitality?
Let us hear from you and send an e-e-mail to hospitality@fnvhoreca.nl.
The hospitality industry is a wonderful sector to work in, but passion and love alone don’t pay the bills!
Edwin Vlek
Union representative FNV hospitality