Pittsburgh Rally
Highlights Worker Frustration

Hotel Union Members
Block Traffic,
Are Arrested

Photo courtesy UNITE HERE Local 57

Downtown Pittsburgh traffic was halted briefly during the evening rush hour on July 22 as Hotel Workers Union Local 57 members rallied in support of union demands; sixteen were arrested.  More

Lodging Industry Experts Speak Out

Post-Recession Hiring
and Retention “New Norm”

The US lodging industry, beginning a rebound from a very tough recession, is hiring again.  In his regular column for Smith Travel Research’s Hotel News Now Hospitality HR Solutions’ Chuck Conine interviews four lodging industry experts for their thoughts on how hotels can hire and retain the best talent in an environment a prominent Cornell researcher has dubbed “the new norm.”

Read Hiring and Retention in the ‘New Norm’

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Restaurants Worry High Cost
Could End Healthcare Plan

Health Care Law: 
Taking A Bite Out of Profits

White Castle, the iconic burger chain famous for its two-bite “sliders”, worries the recently passed national health care legislation will not only reduce profits.  The Ohio-based restaurant, operators of 421 outlets, also fears it will be forced to pay the mandated penalties for not providing health care coverage to employees. 

George Ebinger, an International House of Pancakes franchisee estimates he will pay $220,000 if he doesn’t provide healthcare coverage to employees at the pancake restaurants he operates. 

National Council of Chain Restaurants spokesperson Scott Vinson highlights the dilemma facing hospitality operators.  "There is the expense of actually providing the insurance, then the expense of not providing insurance.  It will be expensive either way."

For more information on this story, read the column by Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Sabrina Eaton as she describes the still-smoldering health care debate and encourages diverse opinions from organizations on all sides of the issue.

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HR/Risk Management Savings Review 
“Look Under the Hood” Brings Cost Savings

Hospitality HR Solutions affiliation with Synergy Restaurant Consultants means even more savings for our clients, as we add a Human Resources/Risk Management review to Synergy’s restaurant consulting services.

Founded in 1988 Synergy has partnered with over 200 restaurant clients.  Led by restaurant industry veterans Dean Small and Danny Bendas Synergy’s “look under the hood” process has proved a valuable experience for Synergy clients.  The HR/risk management review, which can be conducted separately or as part of an overall operations review, evaluates all areas of the restaurant’s HR, benefits and risk management activities to identify saving and compliance opportunities.  Call Synergy Restaurant Consultants toll-free at 1-888-861-9212 to arrange a complimentary consultation.

Manager Coaching a Wise Investment
Improve, Don’t Discard Imperfect Managers

The recession from which the hospitality industry is emerging caused many hospitality employers to lay off managers not performing to standards.  But did this strategy really save money? 

Tough business climates mean managers must work smarter; considering the investment made in each new manager providing mentors and coaches to struggling managers may be a wise alternative to layoffs for those who have potential but need to improve managerial skills.  HHRS offers this surprisingly affordable service.  Contact us at 949-632-2282 for more information and a complimentary consultation. 

Feds:  Hospitality Industry “Fissured”, To Be Targeted

Department of Labor:  We’re Coming!

Labor and employment lawyers Fisher & Phillips LLP have confirmed that Department of Labor investigators will target the hospitality industry in a yet to be determined area of inquiry beginning as early as the Fall of 2010.  The law firm recommends employers conduct internal audits as quickly as possible so as to be ready regardless of the DOL’s focus area.   For more information see the Fisher & Phillips report here.

Hospitality HR Solutions understands hospitality industry employment audit issues.  We are ready to assist you with your audit, working with your labor and employment attorney to complete your audit on a timely basis at reasonable fees.  Contact us at 949-632-2282 for a complimentary consultation.

Online HR Questions — And Answers!
Our Solutions Now on the Web

Of course, every situation is different but to provide our prospective clients with another no-hassle way to see how we think, Hospitality HR Solutions regularly answers questions posed in professional websites online.   

Most recently we’ve answered questions two questions posed on LinkedIn™: 

·   How to qualify recruiters who want your business

·   How to handle a background check — when it’s about you

Check out our answers and then call us at 949-632-2282.  We’re ready to be your HR expert — or to help your HR department with answers.