Dozens of workers at the Vue cinema in St Enoch Centre in Glasgow have today (December 11) begun strike action over pay and conditions.
According to UK workers’ union Unite, the strike is a first at a major cinema chain in Scotland.
Unite hospitality members are asking for the real living wage for all workers aged 18 and over (£13.45 outside of London), trade union recognition, and safe subsidised transport for workers at the end of late shifts.
Strike action will last for four weeks from December 11 to January 7, unless there is a resolution to the dispute. Vue workers are holding a rally this afternoon.
According to BBC News, the cinema has brought in temporary staff to keep the cinema running in this time. Zootropolis, Wicked: For Good, Friday Night At Freddy’s 2 and Eternity are among the films currently showing.
Yusuf Kidwai, the lead convenor of the strikes, told BBC Scotland News that frustration with conditions had been growing for some time. “There is a lot of turnover in hospitality, so there is not a strong union culture in the industry. That’s why it’s amazing what we have been able to do here,” he said.
“Vue has told us to complain through the proper channels but we have done that, and nothing has been done.”
Vue made a profit of £25.3m in 2024, up from £10.5m in 2023, according to Companies House.
Kidwai has worked at the venue since autumn 2024. He said the workers are seeking: to be paid the real living wage, for trade unions to be recognised by Vue, for staff to have better contracted hours, and for paid transport home after late shifts.
He added: “We have screenings that go on until two or three in the morning, and that asks a lot of staff.
“The area around Argyle Street is not safe at night, and you have a lot of young students left to either walk home through unsafe areas or spend half the day’s wages on a taxi.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Vue is a huge company which could easily meet our members’ fair and reasonable asks, but out of greed is choosing not to. This dispute is a story about a group of young, low paid workers saying enough is enough.
“They are fighting back and they have Unite’s unstinting support every step of the way in their battle to secure better jobs, pay and conditions.”
A Vue spokesperson told BBC News: “Our teams are at the heart of our business and are highly valued. We continue to have regular meetings and open dialogue with site team members.”
Screen has contacted Vue for further comment.
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