Workers in the food service and hospitality sectors are set to receive a pay rise following the signing of revised collective labour agreements for 2026. The agreements were finalized between industry representatives and the Union of Workers in the Services Sector (SITESE), establishing an average wage increase of approximately 5%.
The updated agreements apply to employees working in restaurants, cafés, hotels, and similar hospitality-related businesses. According to SITESE, the new terms aim to improve workers’ purchasing power and help offset the rising cost of living, while also promoting fairer working conditions across the sector.
Union representatives highlighted that the agreement reflects ongoing negotiations focused on balancing employee needs with the financial sustainability of businesses. In addition to salary adjustments, the revised contracts are expected to reinforce existing labor protections and strengthen dialogue between employers and workers.
Hospitality industry leaders acknowledged the importance of retaining skilled staff in a sector that continues to face labor shortages. They emphasized that improving wages is a key step toward making hospitality jobs more attractive and ensuring service quality for customers and tourists.
The hospitality and food service sectors play a vital role in the national economy, particularly in tourism-driven regions. The wage increase is seen as a positive development that may help stabilize the workforce and support long-term growth.
The revised collective agreements will come into effect in 2026, with both parties expressing confidence that the changes will benefit workers, employers, and the industry as a whole.
