Concerns about the distribution of tips, setting of rotas and health & safety issues raised by Toby Carvery Bolton workers led to them demanding a formal recognition agreement with the business.
In response to the trade union’s request for a voluntary recognition agreement at the Bolton site, Unite claimed Mitchells & Butlers wrote back saying it did not recognise the union.
Toby Carvery rebuffed the union’s claims, stating a number of team members raised points through its usual internal process, which were being investigated with steps having been taken to address them.
Legitimate concerns
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%.”
Unite stated it will now make a request for enforceable statutory recognition to the Central Arbitration Committee, which oversees UK employment law.
Regional officer Helen Flanagan added: “Low pay, unfair tips and rota allocations, bullying, harassment and health & safety concerns are endemic across the hospitality sector.
Full investigation
“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.”
However, Toby Carvery has responded to Unite, refuting the union’s claims team members were being ignored.
A Toby Carvery spokesperson said: “A few team members at Toby Carvery Bolton have raised a number of points through M&B’s normal internal process, all of which are currently being investigated in full.
“To suggest that such points have been ignored by management is simply untrue as the points were only received in recent days.
“Steps have already been taken to immediately address them, including the hearing by an independent manager.”
