Pub director says union ‘damaging’ his business

The director of Dundee pub chain Macmerry 300 has accused a trade union of “threatening its survival” in a fierce row over serious allegations made against the company.

Last week The Courier revealed that more than 50 current or former employees signed a letter addressed to directors of the firm, which runs venues such as Bird & Bear and Frank’s, with a range of claims, including that they had covered up an outbreak of Covid-19, had issues with bullying as well as sick and holiday pay and had allegedly ignored sexual misconduct.

Now Macmerry 300 managing director Phil Donaldson, who denies the claims, has accused the Unite union of a “hugely damaging and deliberately public attack”.

A “solidarity fund” for Macmerry’s staff has since been set up to support those with financial issues and raised more than £2,400 in 48 hours.

Other employees have pledged support to their bosses.

In a statement last night Mr Donaldson said he is due to meet Unite next week and hopes “constructive talks can now take place”, aimed at “restoring good employee relations and addressing any legitimate concerns”.

However, he said he does not blame staff, saying they have been “badly served” by the union.

Mr Donaldson said: “Macmerry 300 has over the last week been subjected to a hugely damaging and deliberately public attack by Unite Hospitality.

“We have described the union’s behaviour as ‘bewildering’ throughout but the harsh reality is that, after nearly two years of pandemic-related trauma for the whole industry, Unite Hospitality’s behaviour is now threatening the survival of our company.”

He added the first time they were made aware of the allegations was when contacted by media.

He claims that Macmerry has been “consistently denied any opportunity to explore the issues”.

“We genuinely support every colleague’s right to choose whether to be a member of a union or not,” Mr Donaldson said.

“However, Unite’s actions this week have caused nothing but damage and division and, unsurprisingly, have had a huge effect on customer and supplier confidence, at a time when trading is already difficult.”

Bryan Simpson, from Unite Hospitality, said bosses at the chain – which operates venues in Dundee and Glasgow including Abandon Ship, Nola, Draffens and the King of Islington – should focus on resolving staff grievances rather than what he called “petty attacks”.

“This statement is beyond parody,” he said.

“Macmerry clearly has no concept of what a union is, if they think that it is one official behind this entire campaign for fair working practices across the group.

“Their workforce has demanded action on what are immoral and unlawful practices. They should focus on the failure to pay wages, holidays, pensions and sick pay, not petty attacks on Unite or its officials.

“We would urge Mr Donaldson and Macmerry directors to stop trying to undermine the collective will of their workforce and get round the table to resolve the very serious issues that pervade their organisation.”

Cheri O’donnell, a bartender in Draffens who was among those who spearheaded the call to action, said Unite issued the list of grievances on staff’s behalf and helped them with things such as wording.

She also claimed Mr Donaldson was made aware of the allegations before they were sent to media.

She said: “The statement is a way for them to try and improve their PR.”

A protest will be held in Union Street tonight, following a similar event in Glasgow last weekend.

IN DISPUTE: Managing director Phil Donaldson, inset, has defended his company against accusations made by staff and the Unite union.