Hospitality leaders warn against Christmas tube strikes

UKHospitality has coordinated a letter signed by numerous hospitality groups in the UK warning against tube strikes over the Christmas period which can cost businesses up to 70% of daily sales.

The letter is backed by the bosses of pub groups, Fuller’s, Greene King, Punch Pubs, Stonegate Group, Young’s – and London businesses, including Côte Brasserie, Drake & Morgan, ETM Group, Hippodrome Casino, Tossed and Wasabi.

It calls for a resolution to the dispute which will see drivers from the ASLEF union walk out on Thursday 7 November and Tuesday 12 November.

Members of the RMT union have cancelled their planned walkouts which could have caused disruption between 1 and 16 November following what it called a “significantly improved offer”.

As a result of the negotiation Transport for London has abandoned its proposed changes to pay structures meaning all RMT members will receive the same value in any pay award.

The letter stated: “Our request to you as leaders of your respective organisations is to conclude these negotiations swiftly, or risk permanent damage to the London economy. A strike at any time of year means hospitality businesses can lose 70% of that day’s income. But in this crucial period the effect is even worse, and a strike cancelled at the last moment will probably be too late to stop the negative impact.

“Bookings for large parties are already cancelled, or never made at all. Coverage in global media will mean some potential visitors to our city have decided not to risk a visit. Some hospitality businesses make up to 40% of their annual takings in the two months before Christmas.

It added: “Losing income at this time of year can and does put the future of these businesses at risk, and with it, people’s jobs. We ask only that you swiftly conclude the negotiations before the impact on our businesses and our city becomes unacceptably high, threatening the livelihoods of those working in it.”

The letter has been addressed to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch and ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan.