Glasgow bar 13th Note to be 'first in UK to go on strike in 20 years', Unite Scotland says

The first strike by pub workers in the UK for over 20 years is set to take place in Scotland after staff voted in favour of walkouts.

Staff at the 13th Note in Glasgow have backed action in demands for “drastic improvements” to health and safety at the venue, a trade union said.

The owner, Jacqueline Fennessy, said any health and safety concerns had been dealt with and staff were paid above the living wage.

Unite Scotland, which represents 95% of staff, said it wanted to secure better wages alongside a more secure work environment.

Strike action will begin on Friday, July 14 and will last every weekend until August 6 unless members accept an offer from the venue.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members at the 13th Note bar in Glasgow are united in taking a stand, in what could be the first bar workers’ strike across the UK in over 20 years.

“That says a lot about them. But it surely also says a lot about their employer.”

Bryan Simpson, lead Organiser for Unite Hospitality, added: “Unless the owners of 13th Note get back around the negotiating table to propose improvements to wages, health and safety as well as union recognition, the rift between the owner and workers will only grow wider.”

Unite’s lead rep at 13th Note, Nick Troy, said: “For seventeen weeks, we have been trying to reason with the management at 13th Note.

“From wages to hygiene, to understaffing and our demands for union recognition, we’re still not being properly listened to. Surely the strength of the strike vote shows it’s time for that to change.”

Ms Fennessy said the venue is not under-staffed and that there are no hygiene issues present.