A FIRST of its kind agreement has been signed between management and a trade union at a popular hospitality venue in Scotland.
The Stand Comedy club in Edinburgh has signed a voluntary recognition agreement with hospitality union Unite.
This comes after a majority of workers in the Glasgow club joined Unite, with the encouragement of management.
A voluntary recognition agreement is when a union reaches out to an employer to be recognised.
This means that, if agreed, the employer must listen to any concerns raised by the union and must engage with union workers in discussions around working conditions.
A union can only negotiate with an employer if it is properly recognised.
READ MORE: Miller & Carter Steakhouses rounded for skimming from staff tips
One staff member working in the Edinburgh club praised the agreement, adding that they were “thankful to be able to champion the voices of the staff from within the company”, and that “the terms of our contracts reflect the industry’s best practices”.
“Long may it continue,” they added.
Already included in staff contracts is the Real Living Wage for all staff, minimum-hour contracts, transport for those working beyond 11pm, and all tips going directly to staff.
Commenting on the agreement, The Stand’s managing director Mike Jones said: “The Stand has always been a pro-union employer.
“We’re pleased to become the first live entertainment venue to enter into a voluntary recognition agreement with Unite, formalising our relationship and establishing a framework for partnership going forward.
READ MORE: Virgin Hotels Glasgow staff rally outside building demanding pay
“It will ensure that the staff will continue to benefit from the best terms and conditions in the hospitality sector.
“As a Real Living Wage employer, providing our staff with fair work is key to the company’s development as we continue to re-build our business following lockdown”.
Bryan Simpson, lead organiser at Unite Hospitality, said: “This is such an important agreement, not just for the workers of The Stand clubs who will now benefit from some of the best terms and conditions in the sector, but is already resonating with workers in similar venues, giving them confidence that they too can collectively advocate for a fair work environment with better pay and stronger contracts.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel