Unite declares victory for tips campaign
31 July 2008
Waiters and waitresses across the country have today (Thursday
31 July) won the battle for pay fairness following the announcement
by the Government that it will take action to close the legal
loophole which allows companies to use tips and service charges to
top up salaries to the minimum wage.
The long running campaign by Unite the union has secured justice
for workers in the hospitality industry in their fight for fair
tips.
Derek Simpson, Unite Joint General Secretary said: "Waiters and
waitresses across the country have been hungry for the tips
loophole to be closed and the announcement today will satisfy their
appetites. It is great news that unscrupulous employers will no
longer be able to use the tips left for staff to subsidise low
wages. Workers in restaurants, hotels and bars across the country
have waited a long time for their just deserts.
"The Unite campaign has ensured that staff will now get a fair
deal on their wages. Our tips charter will give customers tipping
confidence when they dine out. They will be able to identify those
establishments where staff keep all the tips that they have earned.
Customers should look out for the fair tips logo."
The Unite Fair Tips campaign will continue in order to bring
transparency to the tipping system in bars, restaurants and hotels.
The Fair Tips logo will be on display in establishments across the
country as a symbol that they pay their staff at least the minimum
wage with 100 per cent of tips on top.
- Ends -
For more information contact: Saba Mozakka, Unite press office
on: 020 7420 8916 or 07768 693 953.
www.unitetheunion.org/fairtips
