Trade unions scrap over tied pub tenants
Two trade unions are scrapping over the affections of the anti-beer tie Fair Pint campaign and licensees across the country.
A row is brewing between the GMB and Unite after Unite proclaimed its full support for Fair Pint's Lobby Day at Parliament tomorrow.
The Morning Advertiser understands that there has been an exchange of letters between the unions as to who is best placed to represent the interests of the tied tenant.
It is believed that Fair Pint feels it owes the GMB its support, following its research and challenge to the pubcos on closure figures and is also concerned that Unite does not want to abolish the tie but reform it.
The GMB is also set to brief the Prime Minister on the current situation in regard to tied tenants, following the damning Business and Enterprise Committee Report into pubco power and has sent out letters to all Punch and Enterprise tenants urging them to join up.
On the other hand, Unite claims it is the natural home for licensees as it already has 10,000 licensee members since re-branding the former National Association of Licensed House Managers as Licensee's Unite.
It has aligned itself with high profile campaigner Inez Ward, who runs the Justice for Licensees group and promised to support a licensees' match on Parliament and put together a manifesto for change.
"Unite and 'Fair Pint' share a common agenda, and that is to support our licensees," said Jennie Formby of Unite. "Our pubs are the lifeblood of our communities but they are being choked out of existence by a number of different factors, with the current structure of the beer tie being a key element.
"We believe it is essential for all those who want to save the pub industry to combine forces and try to unite around a common agenda. While we may all have differences over the detail of what needs to be done, there are far too many groups campaigning separately, which can cause confusion."
A spokesman for the GMB said: "The GMB have been representing members in the hospitality industry for many years. Unite has no monopoly here. We fully support the aims of Fair Pint. If you don't remove the tie you are only offering the same support as a rope offers a hanging man. We just want a fairer deal for tied tenants."
One Fair Pint source said: "It is great to see that two of the largest trade unions realise the inequity of the tied pubs model."
Over 200 licensees are expected to attend the Fair Pint lobby day tomorrow.
Check the Morning Advertiser for updates.
