Hi all
Just wanted to raise this to everyones attention. Tonight decided to get hungry jacks after very busy day only to find they charge 10% extra for public holidays, did anyone else know this? Will now ban them completely, nice of them to cash in on ANZAC day. Wonder if all their stores do this or just the one I went too.
And it costs more to change your coke to a frozen coke in a meal. Cheaper to add a frozen coke.
Yeah I don't agree with it, if the other fast food outlets can survive then we can too?!
Trust me, it turns people away (including myself) like the plague and I've raised my concerns with the area manager.
Wow, thought this was only a NSW thing. I will refuse to pay more on a public holiday for any eatery, and this is not common in Vic.
Agreed. Even with the penalty rate, they can decide whether they can make enough profits (from the increased number of people who are likely to eat out) to justify opening on a public holiday. You don't see supermarkets, department stores, etc charging more on a public holiday, so why should eateries?
Btw, I noticed that in HJ in Melbourne over the Easter long weekend. Decided against getting that very early breakfast (which I wasn't sure if I wanted in that small hour anyway) out of principal after I saw the sign.
Doesn't Dominos do this already? if your not happy with the 10% just go to maccas.
But everyone hates Dominos and nobody pays attention to them. They are the kinds of bad service. They can give you tracking to your door for a delivery but can't even be bothered to let you know that your Pizza is ready if you are eating in-store.
The tracking to the door isn't for you. It's so the managers can keep track of their delivery people, make sure they don't spend to long stopped in any one place. Good marketing to say it's for the customer though.
Dominos does 15%. Now do they really pay their employees 15% more?
Noticed that yesterday too. I don't eat there often so had not seen it before, and thought it was fair enough if they are paying penalty rates.
If it is true they don't pay penalty rates then I think I'll just make a point of not buying from there for at least a few months, plenty of competition out there.
What planet are you from?
Pretty sure I'm from Earth, the land of the Whopper.
I wouldn't call it cashing in on ANZAC day, more just recovering the penalty rate.
The fact they don't pay penalty rates to staff kinda negates that point.
What planet are you from? Obviously you have no idea what you are talking about. Go research the topic before making such uniformed remarks.
If you read the whole thread you would see I'm an ex employee. Who was given a flat rate, I have also mentioned that it appears to vary from store to store while the surcharge is universal.
There like heaps of comments stating they don't pay penalty rates. -__- More like cashing to make more profit.
Sorry you are right. I only just read the comments saying that.
I'm not defending the company but I just work there.
We are definitely paid penalty rates.
I've been paid penalty rates on a pubholiday before.
What planet are you from? Obviously you have no idea what you are talking about. Go research the topic before making such uniformed remarks.
nothing new…. HJs has been doing it for AGES now!
haha neg for telling it how it is…. Gotta love you guys /s
you suck neg voters
Any eatery could have a surcharge, if they have a sign somewhere and/or says it prior purchase. I hate when they have in really small letters or at some location you can't see, feels unfair at moments like this.
its normally on the menu down the bottom. They can't hide it. thats illegal.
They dont need to put it on the menu. THE LAW allows them to do this. Just like they dont need to say that prices include GST. Its a given!
To quote you:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/3652808/redir
What planet are you from? Obviously you have no idea what you are talking about. Go research the topic before making such uniformed remarks.
https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/prices-receipts/price-disp…
Restaurants, cafes and bistros that charge a surcharge on certain days do not need to provide you a separate menu or price list or have a separate price column with the surcharge included. However, the menu must include the words “a surcharge of [percentage] applies on [the specified day or days]” and these words must be displayed at least as prominently as the most prominent price on the menu.
Thanks for that. However its the law that allows them to do that. Surcharges on public holidays is common knowledge AND common practice.
@Amayzingone:
There is no law that **allows* them to do it, there is however, a lack of a law that prohibits them.
One man's "common practice" does equate to the customer being well informed. Not does it state the actual surcharge.
What is in my opinion is a deceptive practice is putting the surcharge in small text or not mentioning it at all and charging it at the end.
My understanding is that courts have argued that unless the customer could immediately conclude the actual price to be charged then it was seriously misleading see http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/FCA/2003/3.html Paragraph 27.
If we all stop going to HJ on public holidays they will then change their policy I guess .
KFC charge the Public Holiday surcharge too (at least Melb CBD)
I went to KFC on Anzac day and no surcharge for me (tas obviously)
Looks like the store has been doing it for a while… prior OzB post
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/166796
They do have a A4 size sign stating public holiday surcharge 10% and after 10pm surcharge 10%.
Dominos charges more for some pizzas after 9pm dont they, but dont call it a surcharge.
Privately owned HJs may give penalty rates. I know of one that does. Workers at HJs are desperate and most quit after a very short period, so don't feel too sorry for them
The service at Hungry Jacks sucks as well, I don't think i've been to one which hasn't had some bludger manager doing nothing while a 15 year old is putting all the effort.
Why do you have to go to hungry jack and pay for junk?
just avoid it, live healthier and avoid the surcharge.
I can guarantee every 14/15yo that works at hungry jacks would be working on Public Holiday.
So that makes the PH rate <$20.
If they have to charge 10% extra to cover that rate, they are doing something very very wrong in regards to running a business.
What planet are you from? Obviously you have no idea what you are talking about. Go research the topic before making such uniformed remarks.
Elaborate your defence. Oh wait, you don't have one.
I don't understand why some people are saying "Well it was fair enough because they're paying penalty rates" - what's that got to do with anything?
If you choose to consume goods & services on a public holiday you should not complain about business whose needs to charge more to service you, especially if their major cost is labour. Award rates for the hospitality industry are ~$50 per hour on public holidays plus additional costs such as super, payroll tax and work cover.
Your argument is not valid. A business does not operate on a 'one day' basis. "Oh no! We lost $800 today, That's it, we're outta business."
Businesses do not have to make a profit on every single day of the year.
By your reasoning, one would say, "The electricity bill came in today. Whew. $4000 for the quarter. Ouch. We'll have to put a 10% surcharge on all menu items today to cover this."
Seriously, public holidays, and the associated costs are known years in advance. Most states have about 11 or 12 per year. A business knows it will have extra expenses in some weeks than in others. (As I suggested, utility bills, rent, supplier invoices, insurance, whatever. There's always something.)
To me the concept of surcharges for public holidays is an indication of either: a) a poorly-run business, or b) a business seeking to exploit its customers through a surreptitious and disingenuous rip-off.
Of course, by saying that their surcharge is caused by the public holiday, they are trying to absolve themselves of their shady practice, by deflecting the blame.
No a business does not have to make a profit evry single day, but the effort to open the doors and pay horrible rates and make a loss for the day isnt a great outcome for small business. They should stay closed and spend the day off with their families. Then surcharging becomes irrelavnt because you'll need to cook for yourself.
No. Those that think they can make enough profits after paying the penalty rate would open & those who don't would close.
It depends the nature of the public holiday (whether it's Christmas Day when people tend to spend at home or it's Australia Day when people tend to go out) & the location of the business (whether it's by the beach or in the quiet part of the CBD).
I'm annoyed that I ordered in the drive through and they charged me a surcharge without telling me. They paypassed my card so I didn't see the amount and didn't realise until later I was paying extra.
I don't mind paying extra IF it's being used to support paying penalty rates to staff but I'm pretty sure they need to inform me if I'm being charged more than the price stated on the menu.
Yeah, the cabramatta branch does the same thing, I recently placed an order for two for tuesday burgers (double whopper) and a frozen coke, thinking it's about $6-$7 I didn't bother asking how much, even though I shouldn't have to, they should be saying to me "that's $6.95, please drive to the next window". When I arrived at the window, the girl (with glasses) tells me it's $8.95! So i guess two for tuesday was over, but she didn't mention that either, and I did ask "can I get the two for tuesday please". Pretty hard to cancel order after they've already started preparing it.
HJ went from a struggling franchise a few years ago to a thriving one, now they've removed the Two for Tuesday, and the coupons aren't that much cheaper than their usual high menu prices.
You sure you got charged a surcharge?
Tuesday would have been the 26th April so its a regular day.
The person serving you must of pressed 2 Whoppers for $7.95 [coupon deal] and large frozen coke is $1, which makes it $8.95
Think he is talking about the communication of two for tuesday finishing.
@smpantsonfire:
Yes, that's rights. That and the fact that they didn't provide the total cost at the window, otherwise i would've questioned why the cost was unusually high.
Cheapisgood, you're right, she did press the 2 whoppers for $7.95 (coupon deal), even though I clearly asked for the two for tuesday.
Its the law. Just like they can charge GST. They dont have to ask you about that. And what. Are you going to just back out and go elsewhere. they ALL charge 10% extra on a public holiday. Where have you been all your life?
Hungry jack is not the only one, Dominos pizza also charges public holiday surchage rate of $4 flat, around 20% of my bill.
It's disgusting and put me off ordering Dominos.
Maccas doesn't have a surcharge and they actually pay penalty rates.
The two companies have a link
"Mr Cowin, the executive chairman of Hungry Jack's and chairman and major shareholder of Domino's Pizza. Like Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Hungry Jack's founder Jack Cowin believes Sunday penalty rates are an anachronism. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has promised to make penalty rates "front and centre" of his reform agenda"
Both wrong. The law allows them to charge an extra 10% (but not $4 flat) and they ALL DO charge it. McD included!!!!
Margins are small on public holidays due to penalty rates. It's the second largest expense of any busienss after rent, if not the first.
The other option would be to close shop. I personally find it a good compromise.
Have you even bothered to read any of these posts…….the problem is they don't pay penalty rates to staff on public holidays in most States. So the only thing compromised is their ethics.
They legally have to.
Incorrect
Rent lol Defs not the largest cost.
Came in here thinking "Haha what? A fast food chain putting on a holiday surcharge? Sounds incredibly dumb and crazy" but came away thoroughly disappointed.
Not at the fact that most of these stores pay garbage rates, but more because they don't even pay holiday loading on those garbage rates while putting that surcharge on customers, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it according to Fair Work Australia.
What the hell is even the point of FWA if that's okay?
They do pay penalty rates. An employee has made several comments here saying he gets penalty rates.
Someone on here made an uneducated comment about them not paying penalties and everyone's raged since.
@guy incogneto: They could be a bunch a PR people trying to damage control the situation. Even if it was the case not all store do pay the penalty rate. Doing partly good does not rewrite the wrongs.
Happened here too at Melbourne Taylor's lakes. I don't normally go to HJ so haven't noticed previously. Was going to buy meals for 3 people but as they jacked the prices up, just got 3 frozen drinks instead.
Unsurprisingly, the place was pretty quiet. I can't imagine it helps their profits.
I thought (in nsw at least) there was a ruling / reg some years ago that eateries could not charge more for weekends (specifically sundays) or PH unless full individual prices were quoted on menu's or something similar?- ie. +10% would not suffice.
There was a change to enable surcharge pricing in 2013
http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/Food/News/Certainty-fi…
Wrong. Go do your research with Mr Google before posting and stop guessing.
Yep, I'm going to click Post comment.
Wow first world problems much? This thread is a massive lol. How about we start a big thread about what the Public holiday is actually for and represents.
Bet the diggers didn't worry about surcharges whilst under enemy fire.
Public holidays, not just ANZAC Day.
Not that I give a stuff. 10% for me is generally 60c. Although it they charge it but don't pay staff PH wages, that's a different story.
stop bashing HJ man, I don't like maccas's expensive prices but there has been fewer and fewer competitors
How dare they take my $1
yeah iwas rudely surprised last pub holiday too! haha who do they think they are?! Dominos?!!
I can confirm as an HJ's Employee myself that the rates do get past down to us I get double pay which is mint :D
Also they arent as strict on free food such as frozen drinks or even the drinks cause its all super cheap and just syrup.
And on a hot day I know for sure my managers care more for our staff and dont think twice when someone asks for a drink.
So many experiences here sound so different to mine. Which is great news. It would be interesting to know which of these are franchised stores.
What also annoys me is that some stores are able to not pay penalty rates like the one I worked at but other stores do.
Maybe the laws should be redone that a surcharge can only be charged if it reflects pay rate changes for employees.
Im at a franchised store things are truly amazing because my managers are very relaxed just got back from a late night of partying and walk through drive through to get two free meals :D All franchised stores have the chance of being chilled but sadly most company owned are harsh as the company RM has to make cut backs and keep excess wastage to the minimum. Also because many company based also partake in district roles and such have to be a role model for employees.
I think mine may have been company owned, which explains the pay. Glad to hear you have a positive experience. Thanks for chiming in to show us the other side.
Your post needs to say that at your store, rates do get passed down. At my daughter's store until December last year it never did. Definitely no free food. As you have said later, it can differ store to store and state to state. She was paid 10c above wage award. Uniform deducted out of her wages. ( not a problem - I pay for my own work clothes in my job). She then went to Cotton On for Xmas, got penalty rates and 50% off purchases.
My son started work at Maccas last night. Not sure of pay conditions but he was told if he took food, it was dismissal. However, he could get 50% off food at the store he worked. As a parent, I don't see that perk as a bonus!!!! However, it is good training and jobs are much harder to come by since the mining boom is over. Getting some experience is important for the future.
so? it's reasonable
yeah :D
All I can say is that some people live with their head in the sand and the guy raising this as an issue is definitely one of them. Yet another useless discussion about nothing. For those nerds that dont know - ALL ESTABLISHMENTS including McDonalds can and do legally have a 10% surcharge on public holidays to help cover the TRIPLE TIME cost of wages for the day. being happening forever !
and if they charge a surcharge but don't pay penalty rates to their workers, maybe pull your head out of the sand and realise what's happening.
You're a joke mate, Mcd and other Hospitality place do not pay triple time on PH. McDonalds do not charge a surcharge on PH.
OK… Here are some facts…
You've contributed zero to this site through way of deals and have made 64 comments, 10 of which are in this thread alone.
Now to your attitude on this thread:
You come in with a condescending tone harassing people for their understanding, but have failed to cite any facts.
Just here, you have claimed people get paid triple time on public holidays, do you care to link to an award of EBA that dictates triple time?
And do you care to list any McDonalds that charge a surcharge on public holidays. I know across Melbourne, I've never come across one.
Another know-it-all smart arse. I don't have to prove the law. Its there in writing. All this discussion is just bullshit. Like I say, go and do your research before bleating out such uninformed rubbish.
What law? All I asked what the award/EBA that dictates triple time. I'm not quite sure what your point is.
Troll
I met you last Tuesday, Ozzy.
Is this person a troll? gr8 b8 m8 I r8 8/8
In my home country, people even double their price for public holidays. But I don't think the business owner here can do that. They raelly want to though.
That's the result of living in an extremely unionised country, where employers have to pay double time or more on public holidays. Totally ridiculous IMO. Why does working on a public holiday warrant double pay? Many employees will be students or part time workers who are more than happy to work any day - it doesn't really bother them. Penalty rates are from an era long gone, where everyone was married with 2.5 children.
The Max Brennar's I went to (QV) had a 10% surcharge on weekends. Last time I ever go there.
That ridiculous
So they want you to get fat and addicted. Nice one. Pretty good incentive though to maintain their business.