Hotel Worker’s Views

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 299, 14 September 1936, Page 13

Hotel Worker’s Views

Sir, —A most interesting column appeared in your paper of September 9 referring to the 40-hour week in hotels. I am one of the efficient waitresses, having worked in both email and large hotels in various parts of the Dominion; At present I am employed at one of the largest hotels in Wellington, and I am therefore in a position to know what I am talking about.

The proprietors have had their say, so let me speak for a number of workers who have expressed their indignation at the idea of the employers taking it on their shoulders to say that the 40-hour week met with a mixed reception. Very few members of our union are anxious to work overtime, for the simple reason that in the past they have been forced to work without payment. May I say here that the so-called “tlpchaeers” are the inefficient workers alluded to. Furthermore, the proprietor who cannot get staff is the one who does not know how to treat good ones when he is lucky enough to secure a good girl’s services.

It certainly causes much amusemeni when they remark on the overseas iistor. Is it only since the advent of the shorter working week that tourists have been coming to New Zealand? If the public were allowed to peruse the timesheets in the majority of big hotels they would find that waitresses’ finishing time is generally 8 o’clock, so who is supposed to serve the tourist between eight and nine? Let me also add here that, with the exception of one or two tourist resorts, pre-40-hour and poet-40-hour dinner in first-class hotels has been served only until 7.30 p.m. Moreover, can any proprietor prove that his staff is now one-third greater than before? Why, some hotels have not engaged any extra staff at all.

Then we have the complaint concerning the kitchen staff. If they remain open 100 hours per week how did the employer fare during the 48-hour week? It is only a difference of eight hours, and they did not need two chefs previously. I would like to say in conclusion that the whole column from an experienced workers’ point of view is utterly ridiculous and evidently the proprietors of hotels are looking for unnecessary sympathy, both from the general public and the Labour Government. —I am, etc., WAITRESS. Wellington, September 10.