Booming pub group has been hit by a mass complaint after scores of staff complained to a union.
Unite the Union has compiled a seven page complaint, listing almost 70 separate areas of grievance against trendy boozers run by Macmerry 300, which was established in Dundee but recently made a big expansion to Glasgow.
Unite is seeking a full investigation by the employers backed by big changes.
The union alleges that legal covid protocols were not followed, placing staff in danger.
It also details health and safety concerns and issues surrounding pay and conditions, which include allegations of an erratic payroll and irregularities in pension contributions and submissions to HMRC.
The complaint also claims that staff have been bullied and subjected to sexual harassment, which bosses have failed to address. It claims most if its issues are common across the 13 pubs concerned.
In the grievance that was served on the company on Friday, the employees state: “This complaint stems in part from the directors’ failure to follow through on promises made a year ago and since.
“While we recognise that the pandemic has been difficult on the hospitality industry, we believe this is insufficient justification for the treatment we have received from the company.
“It is no secret how much money has been invested in the Glasgow expansion in exchange for better employee treatment. It is clear that there are funds set aside that are not being used to improve current operations, but rather to pursue profit and assets.”
The union is demanding that all pay owed to past and present employees is paid by the company and that its other demands are all addressed.
Earlier this year Macmerry 300 opened The Bull on Great Western Road, Glasgow, and the Abandon Ship bar also opened to great fanfare in the city. The Luchador opened in the south side last year.
Macmerry 300 also operates Dundee bars including the Bird & Bear, The King of Islington, and Gracie’s in Broughty Ferry, as well as Draffens, The Blue Room, and BuBu.
Unite spokesman Bryan Simpson said: “Our members across Macmerry 300 and Abandon Ship Ltd have had enough of being treated like dirt by the owners of these bars.
“Throughout the pandemic they’ve had to sustain shocking health and safety breaches, failure to pay wages/holiday pay and systemic bullying.
“We would urge the Directors to get round the table with Unite to negotiate before their reputation is damaged irreparably.”
MacMerry 300 said the total number of staff represented by the letter was 20 per cent of staff.
It said the company employs 180 people and that some of the signatories were former employees.
A spokesperson for MacMerry 300 said: “Hospitality is a highly regulated industry where staff and customer safety is paramount.
“We first learned of any alleged issues today and are amazed that Unite took first to social media rather than raising any concerns with our management team.
“We would also point out that some of the reported complainers have not worked with us for over two years.
“We utterly refute the claims made and will be consulting with staff immediately to find out why allegations may have been levelled.
“We are of course also willing to discuss any genuine grievances or concerns. “
