Question reference: S6W-05798
- Asked by: Maggie Chapman, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 20 January 2022
-
Current status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 27 January 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with Unite the Union hospitality workers regarding their reported grievances with MacMerry 300 in relation to pay issues and allegations of bullying, failing to investigate sexual misconduct and covering up a COVID-19 outbreak.
Answer
The Scottish Government believes that bullying and harassment of any worker, under any circumstances, is unacceptable. Everyone has the right to go to work without fear of intimidation. The Scottish Government endorses the Fair Work Convention's Fair Work Framework and agree that every worker, regardless of status or position, should be treated fairly and with respect.
Scottish Ministers believe that all workers should receive a fair pay for the work they do, regardless of their age and status. The Scottish Government is committed to using all the levers it has at its disposal to promote fair work practices across Scotland including payment of the real Living Wage. We firmly oppose the inappropriate use of zero hours contracts and other non-standard types of employment that offer workers minimal job or financial security.
Scottish Ministers have not met with Unite directly on the issues raised in the question, however the Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise meets periodically with Unite Hospitality representatives to discuss key areas of interest in relation to the hospitality sector. The most recent meeting with key trade union representatives included UNITE, PCS, Prospect, the Scottish Tourism League and the STUC and took place on 9 December.