Vue Cinema workers in Glasgow start strike action today

In a historic first at a major Scottish cinema chain, Unite hospitality members are taking the action in a fight for the real living wage for all workers aged 18 and over, trade union recognition, and safe subsidised transport for workers at the end of shifts.

Image: Newsquest (Image: Image: Newsquest)

The strike will commence at 3pm today as Vue Cinema workers are set to hold a rally outside of St Enoch's Shopping Centre.

The action is set to last for four weeks and will end on January 7, unless there is a resolution to the dispute before then.

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Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "Unite’s members at the Vue cinema in the St Enoch's centre are set to take historic strike action against a major cinema chain for the first time.

"Our members should not be in this situation in the run up to the festive season because Vue Entertainment can easily meet their fair and reasonable asks.

"This dispute is a story about a group of young, low paid and precarious workers saying enough is enough. They are fighting back against greedy companies - and they will have Unite’s unstinting support every step of the way in their battle to secure better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Lorna Glen, Unite industrial officer Lorna Glen, added: “Vue Entertainment are forcing our members out of the door and into the winter cold because they simply refuse to address the unacceptable pressures and conditions which the cinema workers face every day.

"They are low and unequal pay, late hours, unreliable safe transport home and a failure by Vue to recognise their union.

“The strike action will cause severe disruption to Vue cinema goers during the festive season, but management doesn’t seem to care either about its workers or its customers. The blame for this dispute lies squarely at the cinema doors of Vue."

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Unite claim that VUE Entertainment Limited made a profit amounting to £25.3m in 2024, up from £10.5m in 2023.

Vue Entertainment Limited has been contacted for comment.