Anthony Albanese MP, Federal Member for Grayndler, said today that wage cuts were on the way for restaurant and hospitality workers in Grayndler once the government’s new industrial relations laws were passed.

Jason Hart of Restaurant and Catering Australia has told the Senate Industrial Relations Committee (Tuesday Nov 15) that: “The total amount expended on wages across the industry is too high.”

The message is clear.

The wages of waiters, chefs, kitchen hands, hotel workers, bar tenders and other hospitality workers in Newtown, Marrickville and Leichhardt, are in the Hospitality Industry and Government’s sights.

Many students rely upon casual employment in inner west restaurants, bars and hotels for their economic survival.

“This candid admission by the restaurant industry signals a rapid attack on the wages of workers who cover difficult shifts and work on weekends,” Mr Albanese said.

Workers in the hospitality sector are predominantly low paid already and many depend on awards to ensure a living wage.

“Forcing workers to depend on tips signals the Americanisation of the Australian hospitality industry,” Mr Albanese said.

"As the most casualised industry in Australia, hospitality workers are more vulnerable than most. Hospitality industry employers have now indicated their clear intention to cut wages in this industry as well."

“If the Howard Government gets its way, hospitality workers all over the electorate will be worse off.”