Workers not intimidated by Toby Carvery owner Mitchells & Butlers’ anti-union behaviour  

Toby Carvery workers in Bolton are engaged in a groundbreaking campaign for union recognition.

Unite believes they are the first workers to begin the formal process for union recognition at a workplace operated by a major pub chain.

Concerns over the distribution of tips, the setting of rotas and health and safety issues, has led to the workers’ demands for a formal recognition agreement with their employer.

Toby Carvery is owned by the UK’s largest pub operator Mitchells & Butlers, which also owns the All Bar One, Harvester and O’Neill’s chains.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bolton’s Toby Carvery workers have had enough of their legitimate concerns being ignored by management. They will not be intimidated by Toby Carvery’s or Mitchells & Butlers’ anti-union behaviour.

“If the company won’t sign a voluntary recognition agreement, Unite will take steps to gain a legally enforceable one. Unite has these workers’ backs 100 per cent.”

In response to Unite’s request for a voluntary recognition agreement at the Toby Carvery in Bolton, Mitchells and Butlers wrote to Unite saying it does not recognise the union.

Unite will now make a request for enforceable statutory recognition to the Central Arbitration Committee, which oversees UK employment law.

Unite regional officer Helen Flanagan said: “Low pay, unfair tips and rota allocations, bullying, harassment and health and safety concerns are endemic across the hospitality sector.

“Unfortunately, Mitchells & Butlers, like many major food and drink chains, doesn’t want unionised workplaces because it would force them to take action to tackle the poor treatment of staff. This is exactly what is happening at Toby Carvery Bolton and Unite will not stand for it.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065. 

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.