Union launches campaign over Sanderson pay
Trade union activists will next week be launching a series of demonstrations outside London's Sanderson hotel in protest against its new starting wage of £2.15 an hour.
The GMB union, which represents staff at the hotel, said waiting and bar staff had been forced to accept the new pay system because they were afraid of losing their jobs.
Martin Smith, organiser for the GMB London region, said: "They're very, very unhappy.
"They're not inclined to complain, because they're in fear of their jobs. So instead of putting their heads above the parapet, they've asked us to campaign on their behalf."
The union plans to start taking action on Monday (10 December) by parking a skip full of rubbish directly outside the hotel's entrance with a banner reading: "Here's a tip from the GMB. Pay your staff a living wage."
Activists will hand out leaflets criticising the practice of using tips to top up basic pay that is below the minimum wage.
The union will be campaigning for a "transparent, fair wage system for both staff and customers".
The hotel, where guests can pay up to £2,000 a night, has defended its new hourly starting rate.
Simon Wright, food and beverage manager, said that staff had had the opportunity to ask questions and that the majority had accepted the new pay system.
Wright said new working conditions at the hotel replaced shifts and gave greater flexibility to his employees.
In the year to 31 December 1999, Ian Schrager Hotels, which operates the Sanderson, made a gross profit of £3.5m on a turnover of £4.7m. These are the latest published financial accounts for the group.
by Ben Walker
