Inspectors of the Norwegian Inspection Work they leave now na checks. They want to check if employees in the hospitality and catering industry have their due pay and working conditions.
“Anyone working in the hospitality industry now needs to prepare for our visit,” says Cathrine Prahl Reusch, section manager of the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate.
– In the pre-Christmas period, we make every effort, because we know that this is an industry in which employees are particularly exposed to violations of health and safety regulations. Now is a busy time when labor rights and working conditions are most often violated.
The Norwegian Labor Inspectorate will carry out inspections and surveys across the country in the coming weeks. Inspections will mainly focus on wages and working conditions. The target group of the audit included both restaurants, nightclubs, fast food and hotels.
An industry prone to arbitrariness
- The hospitality industry is full of small businesses, high turnover and busy seasonal peaks. In addition, there are many young employees as well as many foreigners who are often less aware of their duties and rights in working life, says Prahl Reusch.
– Hospitality and catering industry belongs to the industries most exposed to risk, so it is extremely important that we pay special attention to it.
Previous audits have also shown that there are a number of unscrupulous operators.
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- In addition to a number of vulnerable workers, the industry is characterized by sometimes long working days, lots of evening and weekend work, and physically demanding work. All of these factors make it vulnerable to crime and freedom in the workplace, says Prahl Reusch.
Minimum wage requirement
One of the things that are checked is salary. There is a general minimum wage for all employees in the hospitality industry. The minimum wage is set, among other things, to ensure equal pay conditions in the industry for all employees. This is because in the hospitality industry, workers are often more vulnerable to exploitation.
The minimum wage applies regardless of whether the employee is Norwegian or foreign. It does not matter whether the employee is employed permanently or temporarily, whether he works full-time or part-time.
Give us a clue
We want guidance in the event of suspected inappropriate conditions or violations of health and safety regulations in the hospitality industry. Contact us.
Here you can give a hint Norwegian Labor Inspectorate.
If you have questions related to your own professional situation, you can contact us.
Here you will find contact details for the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate's Response Service.
Source: arbeidstilsynet
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