United Voice News
Historic MOU between LHMU and AHA calls for economically viable industry
At a time when the financial crisis has many businesses worried and times are tough in Tasmania, the LHMU has joined with the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Restaurant & Catering Association (RCAT) in calling for a designated hospitality industry minister in the state government.
In a historic step, the LHMU and the AHA/RCAT have jointly proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create sustainable careers in hospitality and build a more economically viable industry. The MOU will formalise the relationship between the AHA/RCAT and the LHMU in Tasmania for the first time.
“The MOU will deal with industry issues, in particular the labour market issues surrounding skill shortage and high turnover as well as the responsible service of alcohol and gambling,” LHMU Branch Secretary David O’Byrne said.
“The LHMU welcomes the opportunity to work with the industry to tackle the issues.
The easy thing to do would be to sit back and identify the problems, the hard thing is to take it to the next step and work on sustainable solutions that benefit all, and that is what we are going to do,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“Unfortunately, there have been examples where the hospitality industry has been a poor career choice. Together with the AHA/RCAT we want to build decent jobs and create sustainable careers for workers in the industry.
“The hospitality industry relies heavily on repeat business and well-trained happy staff to provide those experiences, which will make it a more economically viable industry.
“With the global financial crisis yet to fully impact on Tasmania now is the time for the industry to implement sound employment practices and invest in the skills of its staff for a sustainable future.”
Steve Old, General Manager of the Australian Hotels Association and Restaurant & Catering Association – Tasmania, said the hospitality industry in Tasmania was a massive employer, investor and contributor to communities.
“The AHA/RCAT has around 400 members in the state and we represent an industry worth millions and millions of dollars to Tasmania.
“We are a proactive industry body representing a vibrant industry and we will stop at nothing to create ‘Excellence in Hospitality’ throughout the state.”
Mr Old said the MOU was a wonderful opportunity for the government to work with them on issues and to continue to provide more jobs and investment in the state.
“As the representative for employers in the hospitality industry in this state, I will do everything in my power to provide the very best opportunities for my members to grow and excel in their businesses.“
