Several NSW clubs have already passed on the Fair Work Commission pay rise three months before it was scheduled to take effect, with Wenty Leagues not only passing on the increase but bettering the new award.
“One of our core values is caring for our people,” Wenty Leagues CEO Glenn Kovacs said. “It’s the passion our employees display every day that makes our club, the community’s venue of choice for exceptional hospitality. I’m so proud of their efforts, going above and beyond in these challenging times. They are more than deserving and we will continue to do what we can to support our Wenty family.”
Nelson Bay Golf Club has also done the same, adding that “recognising good staff was better than recruiting” and Bankstown Sports has also quietly passed on the rise ahead of time as has Club York, Cabra-Vale Diggers and Club Burwood. On 15 June 2022, the Fair Work Commission announced a $40 per week (5.2 per cent) increase in the national minimum wage, following its Annual Wage Review but the increase in the aviation, hospitality and tourism industries, was delayed until 1 October 2022.
“We are proud to announce that we are bringing forward the pay increase passed down by the Fair Work Commission and applying this increase on to our amazing employees in July – three months before it was scheduled to take effect,” Wenty Leagues Club posted, adding that it had increased wages above the award.
“Our Board of Directors and Executive Management Team had no hesitation in recognising all the efforts and hard work of our employees, but also felt we need to support our Wenty family now, with the continual cost of living expenses rapidly rising.
“This is why in addition to bringing the pay increase forward, our Board of Directors have also agreed to a pay increase more than what the Fair Work Commission has passed down.”
The national minimum wage is now $21.38 per hour (up from $20.33) or $812.60 per week (up $40 from $772.60) based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee.
Casual employees entitled to the national minimum wage must receive a minimum of $26.73 per hour, which includes their 25 per cent casual loading.
Employees covered by awards will have their minimum wage rates increased by 4.6 per cent, which is subject to a minimum increase for adult award classifications of $40 per week based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee. This means award minimum wage rates above $869.60 per week will receive a 4.6 per cent increase, and wage rates below $869.60 per week increase by $40 per week.
Other award wages, including junior, apprentice and supported wages that are based on adult minimum wages, will get a proportionate increase.
There was increased pressure on clubs to fast-track hospo wage increases after Endeavour, the parent company of ALH Hotels, announced it was on a recruitment drive and would introduce the wage increase from July 1.
This increase had a positive effect throughout the entire Club as one staff member highlighted, “the extra pay helps make ends meet. After COVID and seeing the prices rise, this increase has now reassured me that I’ll be able to meet my commitments and not worry too much about fuel and grocery prices on the rise. I can just focus on spending time with my family.”
Wenty Leagues has taken this opportunity to help build a stronger workplace culture where staff feel valued and appreciated. Wenty Leagues understands people are their greatest asset and are committed to being an employer of choice within the industry. Clubs must continue to look for opportunities like these to be flexible and adaptive to change.