Stirling University Students and Robbins Centre staff are still questioning the Union’s decision to transfer it’s bar and catering services to the University on June 1.
The transfer was announced at a Students’ Union Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 14. However, the decision has since been criticised because students were not consulted before the announcement was made.
An open letter concerning the lack of consultation triggered an Open Meeting and Emergency General Meeting (EGM) on May 16.
The Open Meeting allowed students to ask questions about the transfer. Due to the high number of questions, not all of them were answered in that time. However, many students are still waiting for answers to questions posed on May 16.
In response to the lack of consultation, it was relayed by Chair of the Trustees Board, Gail Burden, that they were not willing to consult students before the Robbins Centre Staff.
She said: “We wanted the news to be shared with the membership before the AGM but also as a legal body we have a responsibility to the staff that are affected and whose jobs will be moving.
“It was only right that we had to inform them first, morally but also legally.”
“Unfortunately, there didn’t seem to be any/much information”
Robbins Centre employees were notified of the transfer either “just before or just after Christmas,” a member of staff told Brig. However, they have allegedly received little information since.
The member of staff said: “Al [Al Lawley-Powell, CEO of the Student Union] gave us as much information as he could. He did try his best to keep us updated with any info.
“Unfortunately, there didn’t seem to be any/much information.”
They continue: “We have been told our contracts will be obligated. Although, I don’t think Stirling Hotel quite grasp the contracts. For example, some of us work 32 weeks per year with pay spread over 52 weeks.
“We are still waiting to see what the work pattern will be at the hotel. Transfer is June 1.”
The Union’s statement on the Robbins Centre stated that workers’ contracts would be obligated. It stated: “As part of a legal TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) process, all jobs are maintained and there will be no redundancies.
“Where Robbins currently holds student jobs, these shall continue to be delivered by student staff and where future additional casual employment opportunities arise, Stirling students will be prioritised for these posts.”
“We believe we have gone beyond the minimum requirements”
Brig reached out to the Union about staff concerns. They responded: “The legally set out TUPE process has been followed and we believe we have gone beyond the minimum requirements.
“All staff impacted have been contacted and given the option to transfer, including for the student staff, at a time suitable to them (either June or September).
“Should any transferring employees have outstanding questions, they should follow the process and reach out to the relevant named contacts.”
A spokesperson from Stirling Hotel Services Ltd. stated: “Rotas are shared with staff at least one week in advance and additional hours are offered should they become available.”
Support for Robbins Centre Staff
The Motion Notes for the EGM states that Stirling Hotel Services Ltd. “has an explicit history of poor treatment of its workers, many of whom are students at this university.”
Details of the “poor treatment” were not divulged in the Motion or at the EGM. However, a previous employee of Stirling Hotels Services Ltd. alleged to Brig that they had both contractual and managerial issues which made them uncomfortable working there.
They alleged that shifts were assigned with a two-day notice and they also claimed that other staff members had issues, with some quitting on-shift.
At the Open Meeting, Zoë Crosher stated: “I spoke to the University personally about this [claims in the Motion] and about the poor treatment of staff. I was told that any issues with staff can be taken directly to the university.
“In the case that the student doesn’t feel comfortable going to the university, they can come to the Students’ Union and we can support them with that.”
At the Union Open Meeting, a student also questioned the training received by Sabbatical Officers to support hospitality workers with employment issues. The student said “I don’t think they’re qualified to be offering that kind of support,” and suggested more awareness of trade unions.
Katie Gethings stated: “It is not the role of an elected sabbs (sabbatical) officer to advise on anything. All we are obliged to do is signpost them to the appropriate professional services. We never said that we would be able to solve the issues, only show them to the correct place to go.”
Crosher added: “I am 100 per cent for students joining trade unions” and mentioned that “it could definitely be something we would look into for the future.”
“The Students’ Union is here to support”
Brig reached out to Crosher for an updated comment on the strategy in place to support Robbins staff. She responded: “It is in everyone’s interest that the Robbins operates in a manner that supports a positive customer and staff environment.
“The Students’ Union is here to support, advise and signpost any student should they need us if things don’t go as planned. This obviously extends to students and their paid employment.
“On commencement of employment, staff will be informed that should they want to raise anything, they should feel confident to reach out to their line manager, the Students’ Union, the Stirling Hotel Services Ltd Company Secretary or Liam Spillane, Board Director, Stirling Hotel Services Ltd.”
“We place great value on our staff”
A Spokesperson from Stirling Hotel Services Ltd. stated: “The management of Stirling Students’ Union bar and catering services will be transferred to Stirling Hotel Services Ltd., following a full consultation process.
“All staff have been communicated with as part of the consultation and we have confirmed employment terms and conditions are fully protected and maintained. Further, all staff will receive a comprehensive staff employee handbook and departmental inductions.
“We place great value on our staff – as is reflected in our competitive employment terms and excellent working conditions. We are proud to employ a high number of students and enjoy a positive relationship with our workforce.”
Featured Image Credit: Brig Newspaper
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