Hotel operators want next govt to help offset cost of planned wage hike

The survey asked 120 hotel operators what they would do in response to a wage increase. Respondents were allowed to give more than one answer. They said:

– 60%: Increase the skills and responsibilities of staff.

– 58%: Try to reduce non-labour costs.

– 49%: Increase room rates.

– 40%: Change the structure of employment, by, for example, outsourcing jobs.

– 39%: Increase the use of technology to replace workers.

Most hotel operators want the government to help them reduce costs if the minimum wage is increased, Marissa said. The next government can reduce the cost of water, power and corporate taxes, as well as reduce hotels’ contributions to the Social Security Fund, the survey’s respondents said.

An increase in the minimum wage for unskilled workers should vary depending on the cost of living in each region or province, the survey found. Respondents also proposed that the…