A Birmingham city centre pub has condemned a recent train strike as 'disgraceful' after reporting a severe drop in sales. The Victoria, located on John Bright Street near New Street station, said the industrial action forced it to reduce staffing levels.
Strike Over Rest Day Payments
Members of the TSSA trade union staged a walkout last week in a dispute over rest day working payments. The strike resulted in limited train services, with no trains running after 7pm on Friday, May 22. The Victoria questioned the timing of the strike, which coincided with Birmingham Pride weekend, and stated that such actions are unacceptable.
In a social media post, the pub wrote: 'Our sales were decimated on Friday, May 22, due to a strike held by TSSA members which meant we had to cut our staffing back accordingly. We understand many other hospitality businesses in Birmingham suffered similarly.'
Union Ballot Criticised
The pub highlighted that just over 100 TSSA members were balloted for the action, meaning a small number of votes could have a massive impact on local businesses. 'This cannot be acceptable in this day and age,' the post continued. 'With all the day-to-day economic difficulties going on currently for businesses and the self-employed, for this union to act so cynically with its timing over Pride weekend is disgraceful and completely detracts from whatever issue they might be railing against.'
The TSSA union was approached for comment regarding the criticism. The Victoria's remarks underscore the broader challenges faced by hospitality venues in Birmingham amidst ongoing industrial disputes.
