On March 25, Unite the union revealed that workers across 23 Pizza Hut takeaway outlets in Scotland are enduring wage theft, denied breaks, and other harsh working conditions under Glenshire Brands, the franchise owner. Unite has accused the company of systematically undermining the pay and conditions of around 200 workers after taking control of the stores in 2022.
The primary grievance stems from Glenshire’s decision to remove the ‘drivers’ commission’ of £1.45 per delivery, a payment that had been a key part of the job for over 15 years. This commission had been a crucial supplement to drivers’ income, amounting to between £70-£80 a week. Unite, which represents the affected workers, is calling out the company for depriving staff of this payment, leading to significant financial strain for many employees.
In response, Unite will hold a protest and photo call on Tuesday, March 25 at 13:00 at Pizza Hut, Leith (170 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5EA). The protest aims to bring attention to the poor treatment of workers, with Unite’s General Secretary, Sharon Graham, condemning the actions of Glenshire Brands as “deplorable and reprehensible.”
Unite’s grievance argues that the removal of the driver commission is unlawful, as it formed part of the implied terms and conditions of employment and had been specified in job adverts when the drivers were recruited. Workers have been given options, such as continuing without the commission or switching to a self-employed contract at significantly lower pay. Many workers are now facing a substantial reduction in their annual income due to these changes.
Additionally, drivers who use their own cars to make deliveries are not reimbursed for mileage, and they bear the costs of vehicle maintenance. This means many workers are now earning below the national minimum wage, after accounting for necessary vehicle expenses.
Glenshire Brands has also implemented policies that negatively affect workers’ annual leave and rest breaks. In early March, the company introduced a rule requiring that leave requests be made four weeks in advance, disallowing the carryover of unused leave beyond March 31. Many workers have been unable to take accrued leave, and some have not been paid for leave requests that were submitted. On top of that, workers’ pay has been docked for breaks they did not take, further exacerbating the situation.
The workers have submitted a collective grievance, raising concerns over the removal of the driver commission, the denial of breaks, and other health and safety issues. Unite’s lead organiser for hospitality, Bryan Simpson, described the company’s actions as “morally reprehensible and almost certainly illegal.” He accused Glenshire of attempting to cut labour costs by forcing workers into bogus self-employment, which he termed a dangerous precedent.
Unite has vowed to support the workers in their fight, taking industrial, legal, and political action to challenge these policies and ensure that workers’ rights are upheld. The union’s stance reflects a broader commitment to fighting exploitation in the hospitality sector.
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