Staff at Village Hotel in Glasgow vote in favour of 'historic' strike action

Food and Beverage staff at the Village Hotel in Glasgow have voted in favour of going on strike in a dispute over pay.

Unite the union claims the industrial action would be the first at a major hotel chain in 40 years.

The dispute involves 13 union members in the hotel’s food and beverage team who are seeking the real living wage of £12.60 an hour, regardless of age.

Staff are also demanding paid breaks for all workers and backdated wages for those under 21 years at the same rate as colleagues at the Village’s hotel in Edinburgh – who Unite says are paid significantly more for the same roles.

The union said workers at the Village in Glasgow previously won a backdated pay rise after it was discovered there had been a disparity that disproportionately affected young women.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite backs hospitality workers and is very proud to support workers at Village Hotel who have delivered a historic vote in favour of strike action.

“This is a wealthy company which is short-changing staff.

“Instead of vilifying workers Village Hotel should get round the negotiating table and give these workers a fair deal.

“Unite will be giving these workers 100% support.”

Unite said it will go back to members to ask if they wish to go ahead with industrial action in the hope the hotel will come back with a “genuine and meaningful offer”.

Lindsay Southward, group director of operations and people, Village Hotels, said: “Of our 125 team members at Village Hotel Glasgow, only 13 voted for industrial action.

“We are proud of the investment we make in our employees, which helps drive our employee engagement score and retention rate of 83% and 76% respectively – both significantly higher than industry averages.

“We continually review our remuneration policies and align with industry best practice, and offer competitive employee benefits including two free memberships to Village Health and Wellness Clubs, subsidised food and drink, and discounts on all overnight stays.”