Unite in claim over industrial action at arena
GLASGOW Life has been accused of strike-breaking to scupper industrial action at the Emirates Arena.
The arms-length council company is currently in a dispute with Unite Scotland members working at the Emirates over pay allowances for setting up events and de-rigging works.
Unite members voted for an overtime ban, which has been in place since November, and strike action, which continues today.
The trade union now claims that the continued employment of sub-contractors to cover for the loss of overtime and ongoing industrial action is against industrial rules.
They are calling on Glasgow Life’s board to look into the matter.
Eddie Cassidy, Unite convener at Glasgow City Council, said:
“Do they know Glasgow Life managers are employing strikebreaking and bullying tactics in the face of a couple of dozen poorly paid workers workers trying to get a better deal?”
However, the arms-length company claims that the allegations are without foundation and that they frequently work with contractors in this way.
A spokesman for Glasgow Life said: “It is deeply disappointing that Unite has decided to go ahead with strike action, given they had previously agreed to our offer to meet with the conciliation service, ACAS.”
Further complaints from Unite regarding “bullying” by Glasgow Life managers were also lodged.
The union alleges that staff at the Emirates are being quizzed on their Unite membership and whether they would be striking.
According to Unite, this is a breach of existing industrial relations laws.
Leader of the Labour group at Glasgow City Council Frank McAveety is now involved in an attempt to resolve the issues.
Mr McAveety said: “The allegations that the union are making are extremely serious.
“The best solution would be for Glasgow Life to get round the table and resolve these matters instead of provoking industrial relations strife.
“I will be demanding that the board of Glasgow Life, which is chaired by SNP Councillor David McDonald, conduct an inquiry.”