Grill’d Burgers agrees with employees’ vote for wage increase

A bargaining process has resulted in a new wage deal for employees at Grill’d.

Grill’d Burgers employees have voted in favour of a new wage deal, earning them a pay rise of more than 13 per cent after negotiation for a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) resulted in their favour.

The process, open to all 4,500 members of their workforce, came down to a vote, which resulted in 93 per cent of respondents voting in favour of the proposed EBA.

The chief people officer at Grill’d Burgers, Liz Astruc, said 78 per cent of employees participated in the vote.

“Our employees are our greatest asset, and they have made Grill’d a much-loved brand across Australia. We are deeply moved by the support from our team members and are committed to providing them with the best experience possible,” Astruc said.

“By conducting this process, Grill’d has ensured that every team member had the opportunity to express their views on the agreement, demonstrating our commitment to supporting their rights and voices.”

Astruc believes this vote and process was a perfect example of the Grill’d’s dedication to employee engagement, highlighting the unity between employer and employees.

This is reinforced by the benefits that were ultimately included in the enterprise agreement. It offers increased pay rates of +13 per cent and up to 23 per cent higher than the award, higher salaries for management positions, and additional benefits and conditions that surpass those outlined in the industry award.

It’s an example of an organisation understanding the importance of employee engagement and not simply sticking to the status quo.

Alongside these benefits listed in the agreement, Grill’d has also proposed increased pay rates for every hour worked, along with additional rates for late-night shifts and provisions for hours worked during weekends and public holidays.

The company stated that these initiatives aim to improve the work experience for all employees.

“Grill’d is eager to implement the new enterprise agreement. All the way through the bargaining process, we have actively listened to feedback from both team members and unions and negotiated in good faith,” said Astruc.

“Team culture determines success, especially in a service-based business that relies on teamwork and discretionary effort. More than 33 per cent of Grill’d’s restaurant managers began their careers as trainees and have progressed and developed to hold senior leadership roles.”

As disgruntled workers across Australia continue to grow tired of the same old treatment from their employers, Astruc and Grill’d follow a formula that puts employees first, as they see the benefit in their productivity and business outcomes when they do so.

“Our values of passion, leadership, ownership, trust, and sustainability are the foundation of everything we do, and we strive to instil these values in all our team members,” said Astruc.

Kace O'Neill

Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.