Background on Canirac and its Relevance
The Cámara Nacional de la Industria de Restaurantes y Alimentos Condimentados (Canirac) in Puebla is a crucial organization representing the restaurant and food condiment industry. Juan José Sánchez Martínez, the president of Canirac Puebla, recently addressed a concerning issue affecting the local restaurant sector.
Current Situation and Challenges
Canirac Puebla has reported an increase in employee turnover over the past two years, citing difficulties in securing specialized personnel for both culinary and customer service roles. Despite a 40% reduction in turnover by 2023 due to improved employee benefits, the industry is once again grappling with high staff rotation.
Reasons for High Turnover
- Difficulty in attracting and retaining specialized employees, particularly chefs and administrators
- New graduates from culinary schools seeking immediate leadership roles without prior experience
- The need for a skilled workforce to maintain high-quality food preparation
Efforts to Address the Issue
Restaurant owners are making concerted efforts to offer competitive wages, taking into account employees’ tenure and experience. They prioritize those who have shown commitment and loyalty, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when many establishments had to close for five months and reduce salaries.
Canirac’s Initiatives
Canirac implemented productivity bonuses, but these proved insufficient in curbing high turnover rates. Two years ago, Canirac members decided to raise salaries in an attempt to persuade employees, particularly those in culinary and administrative roles, to stay with the company for over a decade.
Impact on the Industry
Sánchez Martínez expressed concern that increased turnover would affect the quality of food preparation, as experienced employees are vital in maintaining high standards. The industry employs around 6,000 people, with 2,000 working in the culinary area and some having at least a decade of experience.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue facing Puebla’s restaurant industry? High employee turnover, particularly in specialized culinary and customer service roles.
- What efforts have restaurant owners made to address this issue? They are offering competitive wages, prioritizing loyal employees, and implementing productivity bonuses.
- What is Canirac’s role in this situation? Canirac represents the restaurant industry and has attempted to curb turnover by raising salaries and implementing bonuses.
- Why is high turnover a concern for the restaurant industry? High turnover threatens the quality of food preparation and the retention of experienced employees.
