STAFF at the Glasgow School of Art Student Association were last night joined by students in protest at the “disgraceful” treatment of workers.
Employees at The Art School union bar had their hours slashed following a meeting in August during which they were warned they were “two weeks from liquidation”.
They say the lack of notice or consultation meant many were unable to pay rent or bills.
On September 11, around 80% of the 25 staff met with senior management to raise their concerns, during which time they say they were promised minimum hour contracts and previously set working conditions.
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However, they believe these promises have not been kept, launching a campaign in protest against the “immoral” treatment of staff.
Around 50 people met outside the union bar on Scott Street at around 7pm last night for the protest.
The younger staff were also supported by memmbers of the Glasgow Retired Members Branch of Unite.
Chants of "workers united will never be defeated" echoed around the street as the angry staff held up their banners.
Among the posters read "GSA Students Association, stop ignoring us, honour our agreement".
Another read: "Your art school, our jobs, reinstate our hours".
Unite Hospitality Organiser, Bryan Simpson said: "Unite’s members at The Art School raised a collective grievance more than two months ago after their hours were cut to zero with absolutely no notice.
“Following a sustained public campaign and positive negotiations with senior management in September we were given verbal and written assurances that they would be given guaranteed hours.
“Now these commitments have been reneged upon.
“This employer is now at serious risk of irrevocably damaging its reputation by allowing its staff (and students) to be treated so disgracefully and immorally.”
A spokesperson for the Glasgow School of Arts Students Association LTD said: “We can confirm that this is part of an on-going official internal grievance process and it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment at this time.
“GSASA Ltd also support the rights of their students to freely participate in orderly and respectful public protest and activism”.
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