Ovolo Hotels has become the second major hotel company in Australia to bring forward the Fair Work Commission’s mandated wage increase for award workers by three months ahead of the October 1 deadline.
In the wake of a similar move by Marriott earlier this week, Ovolo said it will pass on the 4.6% increase to all award workers across its Australian hotels, restaurants and bars from today, July 1.
Ovolo CEO, Dave Baswal, said the wage increase will provide its people with stability and security.
“Hospitality is a people business; we are nothing without our team – they are our biggest asset – so it is only right to pass this increase onto them as soon as possible,” he said.
“This will ensure our team are looked after in what are still tough times for many of them – it provides a sense of stability and security.”
After a taxing two years for hospitality workers, who continues to feel the mental and physical strain of Australia’s labour shortage, Baswal said businesses that can afford to pass on this increase ahead of schedule, should do so for their staff.
“At Ovolo we aim to be a force for good on every level, from our individuals to our communities and beyond,” he said.
“We believe if a business or an industry has the financial capability to act on the recent Fair Work Commission’s mandated wage increase for award workers, then we absolutely need to pass that onto our people with almost immediate effect.”
Ovolo said it’s a small gesture but acts as a heartfelt thanks to its hard working and dedicated employees.