In “Hire uniformed ambassadors to remind patrons to clear their trays” (April 9), the writer suggested hiring ambassadors to advise food courts and hawker centres patrons to clear their trays. I beg to differ.
First, were not air-conditioning and clean tables incorporated into food courts’ higher food prices when this eatery concept began a few decades ago?
Second, tables are usually dirtied with food scraps and soiled tissues. Are patrons going to be called to clear those too? If cleaners are required to wipe tables, what is the issue with them clearing them?
The problem is that food court managements are not hiring more cleaners. While I have heard of the difficulty in hiring and retaining staff, I would ask how much the cleaners are paid.
Food prices have increased from S$2.50 on average to about S$5.50. At a certain food court, a small plate of Hokkien mee now costs S$6.
If food courts charge top dollar for typical hawker fare, there must be handsome profits, part of which patrons expect to be channelled to the decent hiring of cleaning staff.
If managements persist in paying a paltry salary, they cannot expect to hire responsible staff easily.
It is time to raise the bar and pay sustainable wages — S$1,200 or more — to attract and retain quality cleaners and eradicate this staff shortage.
First, were not air-conditioning and clean tables incorporated into food courts’ higher food prices when this eatery concept began a few decades ago?
Second, tables are usually dirtied with food scraps and soiled tissues. Are patrons going to be called to clear those too? If cleaners are required to wipe tables, what is the issue with them clearing them?
The problem is that food court managements are not hiring more cleaners. While I have heard of the difficulty in hiring and retaining staff, I would ask how much the cleaners are paid.
Food prices have increased from S$2.50 on average to about S$5.50. At a certain food court, a small plate of Hokkien mee now costs S$6.
If food courts charge top dollar for typical hawker fare, there must be handsome profits, part of which patrons expect to be channelled to the decent hiring of cleaning staff.
If managements persist in paying a paltry salary, they cannot expect to hire responsible staff easily.
It is time to raise the bar and pay sustainable wages — S$1,200 or more — to attract and retain quality cleaners and eradicate this staff shortage.
