Industrial news

Last month, workers from across the hospitality industry came together for a day of action in disputes over pay, working conditions and union recognition.


The day of action, organised by War on Want, general union Unite, and the BFAWU food workers’ union, brought together workers from McDonald’s, TGI Fridays and Wetherspoon for a rally in London’s Leicester Square. Events were also held in Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Newcastle, Plymouth and Southampton.


Shadow chancellor John McDonnell and TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady joined the workers in their calls for a minimum wage of £10 an hour and an end to precarious contracts.


Deliveroo and Uber Eats couriers were also present and were demanding £5 per drop and £1 per mile as a minimum rate.


The TGI Fridays strike includes a dispute over changes in tips policy which has left waiting staff £250 a month worse off, and the company’s continued refusal to hear their grievances.


Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy said: “Hospitality workers are finding their voice and their power in the union.


“These workers have had enough of low pay and insecure work. They will not stand by and let their bosses pocket their tips nor cheat them out of money they’re rightfully owed.


“Only this week, Unite’s ‘fair tips’ campaign won an important promise from this government to stop employers taking a cut of workers’ tips. We will hold the government to that pledge.”


https://unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2018/october/hospitality-workers-rally-for-better-pay-and-union-rights

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/sep/20/wetherspoons-and-mcdonalds-staff-to-strike-together