First bar strike in the UK in over 20 years to take place in Glasgow


Unite the union can reveal that the first bar strike in over 20 years across the UK is on the cards unless drastic improvements are made by the owners of the Glasgow based bar 13th Note.

Bar workers voted by 100 per cent to support strike action. The escalating dispute centres on the trade union’s campaign to secure better wages, improvements to health and safety, as well as achieving trade union recognition for the workers at one of Glasgow's best known music venues. 

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members at the 13th Note bar in Glasgow are united in taking a stand, in what could be the first bar workers’ strike across the UK in over 20 years. That says a lot about them. But it surely also says a lot about their employer."

Unite can further confirm that the strike action at the 13th Note will start on Friday 14 July, and it will last every weekend until 6 August. Unite represents 95 per cent of the workers employed at the venue.

Bryan Simpson, Lead Organiser for Unite Hospitality, said: “Unless the owners of 13th Note get back around the negotiating table to propose improvements to wages, health and safety as well as union recognition, the rift between the owner and workers will only grow wider.”

Unite’s lead rep at 13th Note, Nick Troy, added: "For seventeen weeks, we have been trying to reason with the management at 13th Note. From wages to hygiene, to understaffing and our demands for union recognition, we're still not being properly listened to. Surely the strength of the strike vote shows it’s time for that to change. 

ENDS