Pub director lashes out at union in dispute over staff allegations

THE director of Dundee pub chain MacMerry300 has accused a trade union of “threatening its survival” in a fierce row over serious allegations made against the company.

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 a cover-up of an outbreak of Covid-19, issues with bullying as well as sick and holiday pay and that they had allegedly ignored sexual misconduct.

Now 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 problems and raised more than £2,400 in 48 hours.

In a statement yesterday 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: “MacMerry300 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 pandemicrelated 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.

Bryan Simpson, of Unite Hospitality, said: “This statement is beyond parody. 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.”

Phil Donaldson called the union action “bewildering”.