Star of Greece owner says employees have a right to choose to work on Australia Day
Australia Day continues to be a controversial topic in the hospitality industry.
The owner of the iconic Star of Greece restaurant has defended the right of workers to choose whether to work on Australia Day, amid a controversy over a foreign-owned pub group cancelling celebrations of the national day.
Nikki Govan, who has owned the Port Willunga restaurant for 13 years, has always opened on Australia Day.
“The demand for our business on a public holiday is really strong, because people are holidaying in the area,” Govan told the Advertiser.
“So we make a decision (to trade) most public holidays as a service to the community.”
Govan stated that she respects individual choices regarding Australia Day celebrations, including those of her staff andoffers casual and full-time employees the option to work on the public holiday and earn triple time wages.
“Work, reflect or celebrate; people should be given the choice. And we highly respect that choice.”
Govan will be catering to the Australia Day crowds by opening both her iconic restaurant and beachside kiosk. While her restaurant is fully booked for lunch, the kiosk will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. She noted, however, that there are associated costs with trading on the public holiday.
“Opening on a public holiday at any time during the year means you will have penalty rates to pay, which is absolutely fair to employees.
“My daughter Maggie has already requested to be rostered that day. She just wants the higher wage.”
Hong Kong-owned Australian Venue Co., ignited a national debate this week after announcing plans to cancel traditional Australia Day celebrations at its venues. The company walked back its announcement after a major public backlash. The group owns 18 venues in South Australia, including The Colonist and Brighton Metro Hotel, which will remain open on January 26, but it's unclear if they'll host specific events.
The decision sparked widespread criticism, with calls to remove the 15% public holiday surcharge.
South Australian pub baron Peter Hurley, managing director of Hurley Hotel Group, has defended the traditional approach, stating, "We're in the fun business, not the political correctness business."
Australia's largest pub group, ALH, will allow individual venues to decide whether to host Australia Day events. Many venues, however, will remain closed due to high penalty rates and lower customer numbers on public holidays.
Jonathan Jackson, 5th December 2024
