A second Unite representative has been sacked at Manchester's Kimpton Clocktower hotel after workers began organising for better conditions.

The worker was suspended for over 35 days before being dismissed. Kimpton Clocktower owner InterContinental Hotels Group had previously been accused of union busting by Unite, after it also sacked another rep on unfair charges following workers' attempts to unionise and fight for recognition.

Unite believes the two members of staff were targeted for undertaking trade union activities, something that is illegal under UK employment law.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "IHG could work with Unite to come up with meaningful solutions to problems raised by its workers, but instead it is choosing to prioritise going after our reps and firing them.

"This situation is an utter disgrace and a clear case of union victimisation. Management must reconsider this aggressive approach and reinstate these sacked reps."

A few months ago, Kimpton Clocktower workers as well as staff based in its restaurant The Refuge joined Unite and have been attempting to move towards formal union recognition to improve their conditions. Issues at the company include chronic understaffing leading to fatigue and burnout, issues with sick pay and workers having less than 11 hours (the legal minimum) between shifts. So far, IHG has refused to recognise Unite as the official union.

Unite hospitality lead Bryan Simpson said: "This is the most blatant example of union victimisation we’ve ever come across. Unite will not stand by and let one of our reps be sacked on such egregious charges.

"This dispute will only escalate until senior management get round the table and negotiates in good faith to reinstate our reps and to agree that workers at Kimpton Clocktower deserve to negotiate their own pay and conditions through a union." 

The luxury Manchester city centre hotel is owned by IHG, which is one of the biggest hotel chains in the world and had a 13 per cent increase in operating profit to $1.27 billion last year.

Unite is currently running a petition for IHG UK to stop targeting union activists, recognise the Kimpton workers rights to have their grievance heard collectively and support their union recognition campaign. 

ENDS

Notes to editors 

The rep is available for interview and is happy to be named. Contact details on request.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org