$90 per hour dishwashers at Rockpool highlight labour shortages
Dishwashers at Rockpool Bar & Grill are being paid up to $90 per hour on Friday and Saturday nights, whilst labour shortages in the hospitality industry are forcing some businesses to reduce operating hours.
Rockpool Bar & Grill executive chef Corey Costelloe said inexperienced hospitality workers were commanding six-figure wages, yet apprentice chefs only earn around $13 per hour and are expected to work long hours.
Participants at a meeting of leaders in the hospitality sector agreed the current situation has added to labour shortages.
Also discussed at the meeting was the findings of a survey which found 91 per cent believed Australian kitchens relied too much on foreign chefs.
59 per cent recognised a shortage of local chefs.
Apart from low pay and long hours for apprentices, Mr Costelloe said of employers, “They’re shooting themselves in the foot if they don’t make their work environment a good place to work, you’re not going to get the staff.”
The survey, which was commissioned by Menulog reported that about 50 per cent of restaurant, pub and café owners felt trainees and apprentices needed more support to help them complete their training.
43 per cent of those surveyed wanted greater access to training and apprenticeships.
The impact of Covid-19 was also highlighted in the survey, showing two-thirds of businesses letting go of local chefs and 68 per cent losing international chefs due to border closures.
Irit Jackson, 22nd November 2021
