GLASGOW hotel workers are being balloted on what could be the first strike action at a major chain in over 40 years. 

Unite members at the Village Hotel have demanded equal starting pay of the Real Living Wage regardless of age, meaning a baseline rate of £12.60 per hour, as well as paid breaks.

Village Hotels general counsel Kelli Turner, however, dismissed the demand, saying the company was “very comfortable” with the status quo. She said: “We have no plans to pay all employees the real living wage or to provide paid breaks.  

“We know that we are not alone in this approach which is one often adopted across the hospitality sector.” 

Announcing the strike ballot, which will run until July 15, Unite hospitality national lead Bryan Simpson said: “Village Hotel workers deserve the real living wage, they deserve paid breaks and the right to have their union collectively bargaining for improved working conditions. 

“The hospitality sector is notorious for its exploitative and precarious practices. 

“The approach by Village management towards its workforce — which is to hide behind a race to the bottom — is scandalous.”