United Voice News
Union battles hospitality workers' inhospitable working conditions
As the alcohol flows during the festive season the threat to hospitality workers in Queensland pubs, bottle shops, clubs and restaurants rises as quick as the Christmas temperature.
The LHMU launched its 'Can you risk it?' campaign today to educate hospitality workers about their right to a safe workplace amidst the many dangers in the industry.
Scalds, burns, back injury, cuts, verbal abuse, slips and the threat of robbery and assault are all daily risks for hospitality workers.
"We'll be getting out to the pubs and clubs of Brisbane and approaching as many workers as we can to talk to them about the campaign and to discuss how they can better shield themselves from dangers in the workplace," LHMU Assistant Secretary Kerry Tomlinson said.
"No one should be threatened with violence at work and hospitality workers are finding the victims all too often.
"The problem is that these workers do the 'dirty work' like cutting off patrons who've drunk too much, refusing entry and evicting drunks. That sometimes means they become the target when those patrons lash out."
The union will be suggesting workers talk to management about what practices they have in place for reducing dangerous situations.
"The Manly Hotel, where we launched the 'Can you risk it?' campaign, is a great example of an employer that has worked closely with the union to implement strategies and procedures to minimise dangers to their employees," Ms Tomlinson said.
"We also suggest industry employees consider union membership, as the union provides members with counselling, advice and legal counsel should they ever be attacked while at work," she said.
Queensland Police statistics show that there were 2713 assaults recorded in the retail sector (including bars and restaurants) in 2007.
The campaign will promote improved workplace health and safety training and awareness, highlight employer and employee legal obligations and discuss the significance of the responsible service of alcohol in the protection of workers and patrons.
