As communicated in the ER Bulletin on 5 September 2022, the Fair Work Commission's ('FWC') annual wage increase to the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 ('HIGA') takes effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 October 2022.
For the 1 October 2022 increase, the following Wage Guides are now available for QHA Members:
- HIGA Wage Guide
- HIGA Casino Gaming Wage Guide
These Wage Guides are in the ER Bulletin sent on 5 September 2022, and are also being uploaded onto the QHA’s Website. Once uploaded, the updated Wage Guides can be accessed on the QHA Website by:
- Clicking Services – Employment Relations
- Scrolling to Wage Rates, and opening the Hospitality Industry (General) Award Wages section
WHAT % IS IN THE INCREASE?
The FWC ordered the following modern award increase:
- Flat rate amount of $40.00* per week where the current full-time weekly rate is less than $869.60 per week; and
- 4.6% where the current full-time weekly rate is above $869.60 per week.
For the HIGA, this means the following wage increases apply:
- Classification levels covering the introductory level and levels 1, 2 and 3 will be increased by a flat rate of $40.00* per week; and
- Classifications of Level 4 and above receive a 4.6% increase.
*The $40 per week increase is based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee.
WHAT IS THE PAY CYCLE FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE "FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD"?
With regard to the operative date, where an employer’s pay period commences prior to the date the increase will have effect, for example, on 30 September 2022 (and the increase is 1 October), the increase provided in the FWC's wage increase decision will not affect wages until the next pay cycle.
This is due to the pay cycle commencing prior to 1 October – the decision states it applies to a full pay cycle that commences (i.e. the first day of the cycle) either on, or after, 1 October.
Basically, if your pay cycle starts on 1 October, or after that date, the above wage increase will apply from that pay cycle.
OTHER AWARD WAGE GUIDES
The following Wage Guides also have increases from 1 October 2022. When these Wage Guides are finalised, they will be sent out via ER Bulletin prior to 1 October 2022:
- Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2020 Wage Guide
- Restaurant Industry Award 2020 Wage Guide
- Trainees Wage Guide
- Apprentice Wage Guide
UPDATED RATES FOR COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS
Members with existing Enterprise / Collective Agreements (or other formally ratified documents)
('Agreements') can seek for the base rates payable in accordance with the Agreement to be updated in line with the Decision.
Where the QHA has drafted your Agreement, we can update your wage schedules for a nominal fee of $340.00 inc GST- this includes up to 5 wage schedules. A higher fee will apply for a larger number of wage schedules.
For Agreements drafted by an external party, the QHA can assist you to update your wage schedules. Please contact the ER Department for more information and an estimate of fees.
Further Information
QHA members seeking more information or wishing to discuss a specific employment relations matter are encouraged to contact the Employment Relations Department for a confidential discussion by calling 07 3221 6999 or emailing er@qha.org.au.
