" I think a half decent chef would be able to negotiate their salary"... Yes, in a fair and reasonable hospitality industry that is true. Chefs are treated like dirt, and this has been the way since I have been in the industry. Unfortunatly, when you have interviews and the like, people LIE about conditions, wages etc. It is not a highly regulated industry, which means there are too many dodgy operaters out there, who want to make money, but don't want to pay for good staff, because of greed, and arrogance.
Having said that, I have had some really good, fair bosses, of course, and I have had some pretty lousy ones too, and told them so, in no uncertain terms. Life is not black and white, and sometimes one needs a job to pay the bills. If you look in The Age employment at the hospitality section, or Seek.com, I can guarantee, that 40% or higher of those positions will be underpayed. I know, because I am in this industry. I would suggest you have a think about penalty rates in general mate, who mans the emergency wards in hospitals over night? And looks after the sick and the elderly {on weekends too} Who guards buildings, and businesses etc etc. It doesn't just apply to hospitality. Take a look at what you are saying, the busiest time for hospitality is WEEKENDS when people go OUT!!! Funny that....
