Workers at Pizza Hut locations across Scotland are staging protests against franchise owner Glenshire Brands, accusing the company of “wage theft” and denying workers breaks. The protest follows widespread complaints about deteriorating pay and working conditions.
Cooks, cleaners, and delivery drivers, represented by the Unite union, say Glenshire Brands has launched an attack on workers’ pay and conditions, which will severely impact staff. The protest comes after the company announced earlier this month that it would immediately remove a key driver commission, which had been in place for over 15 years.
The commission, which amounted to £1.45 per delivery and up to £80 per week, was included in the job advertisement when drivers were recruited. With its removal, drivers have been presented with several options, including working without the commission or switching to a self-employed contract that offers £30 for an eight-hour shift and £3 per delivery. Unite highlights that drivers who use their own cars no longer receive mileage payments and are responsible for vehicle maintenance. According to the union, this change reduces drivers’ hourly wage below the national minimum wage.
In addition to the pay cuts, workers across 23 stores operated by the Glenshire Group say they are facing attacks on their annual leave and rest break entitlements. A new policy, introduced this month, requires that all holiday requests be made at least four weeks in advance, with no carry-over of unused leave. On-shift meals and staff discounts have been eliminated, and workers allege their pay has been retroactively docked for rest breaks.
In response, workers have filed a collective grievance, citing these “abusive” practices. A protest is scheduled to take place outside Pizza Hut’s Leith location later today.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, condemned Glenshire Brands’ actions, calling them “deplorable and reprehensible.” She added, “The company has launched a full-on assault on workers’ pay and conditions, which will have a serious impact on our members’ take-home pay. Unite is fully committed to holding this rogue employer to account.”
Bryan Simpson, Unite’s lead organiser for hospitality, called the treatment of workers by Glenshire Group “morally reprehensible” and likely illegal. He accused the company of attempting to reduce labor costs by undermining pay and conditions for some of the lowest-paid workers in the economy, pushing them toward “bogus self-employment.” Simpson vowed that Unite would do everything in its power to support workers in fighting back against these measures, using all available industrial, legal, and political avenues.
In response, a spokesperson for Pizza Hut UK stated that the company is “deeply committed to ensuring a safe and fair working environment” and enforces strict policies that franchise businesses must follow. While acknowledging that Glenshire Group operates as an independent franchisee responsible for its own employment practices, the spokesperson emphasized that Pizza Hut takes the allegations seriously and will engage with concerned employees in the coming days.
Jack Brady, a representative of Glenshire Group, confirmed that the company had received two collective grievances on March 23. One grievance relates to delivery driver compensation, and the other concerns annual leave and rest break policies. Brady stated that these grievances would be thoroughly investigated according to the company’s grievance process.
Brady also defended the company’s actions, stating that the remuneration model for delivery drivers had shifted from a “per delivery” to a “per mile” basis to better cover fuel and insurance costs. He also noted that the National Living Wage and Minimum Wage had been increased. Regarding the self-employed contracts, Brady categorically denied any blanket changes and reassured workers that the company is committed to robust employment practices, including honoring all annual leave and break entitlements for its nearly 800 employees.
“We are listening to our colleagues and are working to resolve any concerns swiftly,” Brady concluded.
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