Councillors back fairer work initiative in hospitality industry

Fife Council has thrown its weight behind calls for fairness in the hospitality industry.

Councillors have endorsed the Fair Hospitality campaign, promoted by Unite the Union, which would benefit 9,100 people working in the industry in Fife.

They have also backed the introduction of a voluntary hospitality charter which would see employers deliver a living wage, enhanced rest breaks for workers, equal pay for young workers, paid transport home if working after midnight and measures to proactively prevent harassment in the workplace.

The charter also calls for a minimum-hours contract, staff retention of all tips and full access to unions in the workplace.

Hospitality and tourism is a growing sector in Fife, which attracts 8.5 million visits a year, the third largest in Scotland.

Labour councillor Altany Craik, convener of the economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee, said the charter was the first step in working with businesses to bring fair conditions to workers.

“From the real living wage to certainty about work patterns, the charter will help employers who sign up to be recognised for their fair treatment of workers in the sector,” he said.

“Now that we have endorsed Unite’s campaign, we will raise awareness of the charter to the Fife Tourism Partnership, local tourist associations and relevant stakeholder groups to promote the campaign to Fife hospitality businesses.

“Fife Council works with partner organisations to deliver a range of support to businesses, and we will support Fife businesses to implement this charter.”