The UK Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector today saw the second outbreak of strike action in only weeks as workers at TGI Fridays followed McDonalds. Workers at TGI Fridays held ballots at two branches of the restaurant chain that backs industrial action.
Last week McDonald’s workers in Manchester went on strike for the first time in UK history, over their claim that the company has failed to offer them acceptable working conditions, job security or even an affordable living wage.
Two outlets of TGI Fridays in Milton Keynes and Covent Garden now face staff walkouts in protest at a new policy that hands 40% of service charge payments paid on credit and debit cards to back-of-house employees, including kitchen staff.
Waiting staff are members of the trade union Unite and voted for action unanimously to act against the tip policy changes that they say could cost them up to £250 a month in lost earnings.
TGI Fridays potentially faces a summer of disruption with strike ballots under way at four more restaurants at different locations across the country including Manchester and Newcastle.
Unite trade union regional officer Dave Turnbull said: “TGI’s has been sent a loud message that our members will not be bullied and shoved into pay poverty. If TGI’s wants to look at how it can reward kitchen staff, then work with us on a fair solution, not implement an overnight wage grab where Peter has been robbed to pay Paul.”
Support is gathering for both campaigns and McDonalds has seen Labour Member of Parliament Member for Leeds East, Richard Burgon actively campaigning for the workers.
A spokesperson for TGI Fridays UK, which is owned by a US private equity firm, said: “Our team members are a part of our Fridays family, and we care about them. We believe all our team members should be – and are – treated and paid fairly. Despite this, a small number at Milton Keynes Stadium and Covent Garden have voted to strike. We are listening to them and are collectively working to find a resolution. In the meantime, we will be doing all we can to ensure our guests receive the usual great dining experience and that the restaurant remains open as normal.”
We hope both sides of both cases sit down and talk through their disputes to find a workable resolution.