Waiter reinstated at ME London after being sacked for union activity
A waiter who was sacked after campaigning against "unfair tipping practices" at the 157-bedroom luxury ME London hotel has been reinstated to his position following intervention from the union Unite.
Robert Czegely, who is from Hungary, was dismissed for alleged "gross misconduct" from his role at the hotel STK restaurant on the Aldwych, where he was appointed two years ago.
He lost his job after he produced a union flyer in support of an ongoing campaign among workers for fair tips and union rights.
In February, STK was reported to not be fairly distributing cash tips to staff. It was alleged that STK London, which is operated on behalf of Spanish-owned Meliá Hotels International by the One Group, was using the 15% discretionary service charge on customer bills to top up the salaries of four senior managers by as much as £50,000 per year each.
However, after Unite lodged a legal claim with an employment tribunal on Czegely's behalf following his sacking, the waiter was reinstated.
Dave Turnbull, Unite regional officer, said: "We are pleased to have been able to constructively engage with company representatives to bring about this positive outcome. We look forward to working closely together over the coming weeks."
Gioele Camarlinghi, UK area director at Meliá Hotels International, said: "We are satisfied with the outcome, which demonstrates how open dialogue and a collaborative approach can lead to a better understanding and more productive co-operation with the union."
Meliá Hotels International dismisses allegations that it sacked ‘fair tips' waiter >>
Unite calls for crack-down on ‘dubious tipping practices' >>
Restaurants may be forced to hand over all tips to employees, following government review >>
Protestors target STK and ME London over tipping policy claims >>
Latest video from The Caterer
