Unite, Wales’ leading trade union, has secured union recognition for workers at the renowned comedy venue, Glee Club in Cardiff. The landmark victory for workers follows an extensive organising campaign by Unite amongst Glee Club employees.

Recognition by Unite means workers will be covered by a collective agreement. This will enable Unite to negotiate with the employer regarding workers’ pay and other terms and conditions of employment.

This victory is significant in that it is one of the first agreements of its kind within the Welsh hospitality sector. The Glee Club Cardiff employs around 35 workers.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a fantastic victory for the workers at the Glee Club Cardiff. They have stood strong, and as a result, have secured official union recognition. Hospitality workers across Wales should take heart in this great news. Unite is here to fight for you, we are the union for workers in every workplace”.

Unite secured official recognition following an application to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC). Recognition was granted following the union proving that over 50% of Glee Club workers were members of Unite.

Michaela Gilroy, Unite industrial officer, said: “We are delighted that we have secured this victory for Glee Club workers. This has been a long campaign for workers’ rights but the hard work has paid off. Terms and conditions in the hospitality sector are notoriously bad so union recognition will give Unite the opportunity to change that for these workers. We are now seeking urgent constructive talks with the Glee Club to agree the terms of the official recognition agreement.”