A CAMPAIGN launched today to win a “new deal” for hospitality workers aims to put an end to zero-hours contracts in the industry. 

Hundreds of workers joined an on-line session organised by Unite Hospitality to co-ordinate plans to win better and safer conditions in hotels, bars and restaurants during – and after – the coronavirus pandemic.

As well as demanding measures to ensure safety in the immediate crisis, the union also set out its demands for minimum hours contracts, paid trial shifts and rest breaks and a real living wage for hospitality workers across Britain and Ireland.

Unite’s Fair Hospitality Charter would also see staff receive 100 per cent of tips and paid transport home after midnight, as well as protection against sexual harassment.

Unite Hospitality’s Bryan Simpson told the Star: "Over the past two months hospitality workers have been instrumental in keeping this country going during the Covid-19 crisis.

“Our members have played their part and deserve to be treated with decency, dignity and respect.

"With the input of hundreds of chefs, baristas, housekeepers and waitresses we have put together a comprehensive document which maps out what is needed, not just to guide the industry out of this crisis, but to ensure that we never again go back to poverty pay and insecure contracts that have left thousands in economic turmoil. 

“Once lockdown is lifted, we call on employers to engage positively and collectively with their workforce to ensure that we rebuild this industry with the workers who make the profit being central to it."