POPULAR WORDS

Workers in the hospitality and tourism industry are facing a six-month wage freeze if an application lodged yesterday in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) is successful. The AHA claims the industry has been in a slump since the September 11 terrorist attacks and the collapse of Ansett. But Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union (LHMU) assistant national secretary Tim Ferrari says the application shows employers are not facing up to their responsibilities. Ferrari argues the industry is showing strong signs of recovery, with both domestic and international tourists still attracted to Australia. "Major hotels are talking about the post-September 11 lift-off they are experiencing which is turning into more profits and more work for LHMU members," he says. "The AHA was quick off the mark to advise hotels how to lay off casual workers when there was a downturn. "When we witness a positive swing, the AHA wants to put a drag on wages, with a heavy anchor tied around hospitality workers pay packets." The AHA's application is part of the Living Wage hearing under way in Melbourne.