Unite, the UK’s leading union, which represents thousands of hospitality workers including many Brew Dog workers, has reacted with anger to the manner in which workers have been treated, as a result of the company’s “rescue” sale to Tilray.

No warning

The workers were informed on a hastily arranged conference call that the sale would result in 38 bars closing and the loss of 484 jobs, some with immediate effect. To add insult to injury Tillray and the media were informed of the sale and job cuts before the workers were told.

Workers deserved respect

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a devastating day for Brewdog workers. Nearly 500 lost livelihoods while yet another corporate deal is stitched together behind closed doors. 

“Brewdog workers built this brand. They deserved respect. Instead, they were treated as disposable pawns. Unite will not rest until our members have legal and financial justice.” 

Companies have a legal duty to consult their workers on redundancies. Giving workers a 25-minute warning of a conference call where vital questions about pay and redundancies were not answered, is not consultation. Unite will be demanding urgent answers from both Brew Dog and Tilray on unpaid wages, full transparency around the sale process, and it will be seeking the best possible redundancy terms for every affected worker.

 

Immediate job cuts

Unite national lead for hospitality Bryan Simpson said: “The way in which senior management have conducted themselves throughout this sales process has been nothing short of a national disgrace – with workers being given no information about the company’s plans or their futures.
 
“For the CEO to tell workers that they were redundant with immediate effect, on a conference call with only 25 minutes notice, has echoes of P&O and is deplorable. Unite will be ensuring that our members receive everything they are legally entitled to.”

ENDS
Notes to editors:
 
For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.
 
Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org
 
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