ONE of Glasgow's most iconic cinemas has signed a landmark deal with union bosses to give workers a greater say in any future negotiations over pay and conditions.

The Glasgow Film Theatre, which is recognised as one of the city's most cherished and culturally important institutions, has become the first picture house in Scotland to sign a voluntary recognition agreement with Unite Hospitality, who will now represent the venue's hospitality staff.

The deal, which covers those working in GFT’s front of house and cleaning teams, will formalise collective bargaining and negotiation on pay and policies, as well as any future changes to working conditions and benefits.

It also builds on the GFT’s existing progressive employment practices which include a longstanding commitment to paying employees the Real Living Wage, as well as promising them minimum hours and harmonised sick pay.

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The Cosmo – which became the GFT in 1974 – opened in 1939 as Scotland’s first independent arthouse cinema and has become one of Glasgow's most treasured institutions.

From a single screen theatre with 850 seats, it has evolved to home three screens equipped with cutting-edge technology that show audiences a programme of more than 600 films a year.

Allison Gardner, Glasgow Film chief executive, said: "We are delighted to have finalised this agreement with Unite on behalf of our staff. The GFT recognise the benefits that an engaged staff, with a collective voice, will bring as we continue to navigate challenging and uncertain times."

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, added: "Following months of positive negotiations with GFT management, we are delighted to agree collective bargaining. This is a landmark agreement which is already producing positive impacts on the jobs, pay and conditions of our members. The GFT is not only one of the best cinemas in the country to visit but also to work at."

In 1953, the Queen’s Coronation was broadcast live and exclusively at the Cosmo, a first for a Glasgow picture house, while more recently the GFT was the first cinema in Scotland to have screenings with adjustments suited to people with autism and neurodiversity, receiving the National Autistic Society’s Autism Friendly Award in 2017.

Over the years, celebrity visitors to the cinema have included Hollywood stars Richard Gere, Jude Law, the late Alan Rickman and Pulp Fiction director Quentin Tarantino.

Championing new talent, the GFT is also the home of the award-winning Glasgow Film Festival and one of the most innovative youth festivals in Europe, the Glasgow Youth Film Festival.