Trade union Unite has joined forces with the Daily Mirror to launch a campaign urging restaurants and hotels to sign a “fair tips charter”.
The campaign is calling on the hospitality industry to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring tips and services charges are distributed fairly among staff.
It marks the latest stage of Unite’s campaign against employers which take a cut from credit card tips and also use tips to make up the minimum wage. It began last September with protests outside Pizza Express and Smollensky’s on the Strand.
Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary said: “Employers in the hospitality industry must ensure that all employees receive a decent living wage with 100% of tips added on top.
“We welcome the commitment by Pizza Hut and TGI Friday’s to take a lead on this issue by signing the charter. The union now wants others within the sector to demonstrate their commitment to a fair and transparent tipping system.”
Richard Wallace, editor of the Daily Mirror, added: “I'm sure many of our readers were astonished to find that it's perfectly legal to pay restaurant staff less than the minimum wage and then make up the difference with tips. This is a loophole that the Government must close.
“It's equally wrong for companies to take a cut of staff tips. A tip is a reward for good service and it should go directly to the people who earned it. The Daily Mirror is proud to support this campaign and I urge all responsible restaurant and hotel bosses to sign up.”
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By Daniel Thomas
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