The CCA in Glasgow has closed its cafe with immediate effect following concerns over pay and conditions.
A charity-run arts venue in Glasgow has torn-up a business tenancy on its site following a bitter, weeks-long dispute over pay and working conditions.
The CCA: Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow announced on Friday that it had ended its relationship with those running its Saramago Cafe & Bar.
The cafe has been closed since March after claims that workers were sacked for taking part in strike action.
The cafe and bar is run independently of the CCA, who said attempts to resolve the situation had not been fruitful.
The workers, members of the Clydeside (West Scotland) branch of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), were reportedly summarily dismissed in the middle of their shifts in what the union described as “a blatant union-busting effort”.
The IWW said the workers were organising to increase the number of staff rota’d on in the kitchen and front of house to stop themselves being overworked.
Immediately following the firings the union had demanded that the CCA “reconsider its relationship with Saramago and refuse to tolerate a union-busting business which has fired organisers for daring to stand up for themselves and other workers in hospitality”.
Now, the CCA have ended this relationship, posting a confirmation statement on social media.
They wrote: “CCA has made the difficult decision to discontinue our relationship with business tenant Saramago Cafe Bar.
“CCA has worked tirelessly over the past five weeks in the hope for productive conversation and a positive outcome that aligns with our organisational priority of fair work. We truly wish the situation could have been resolved differently.
“The impact this situation has had on our artists, programme partners and our own staff has become untenable. It has affected our ability to serve our audiences and fulfil our commitments to our partners. We also acknowledge and appreciate the concern expressed by artists and organisations associated with us.
“This dispute has come at a time of significant pressures for cultural organisations, and at this critical juncture, we are prioritising the health of our arts programme and the wellbeing of our staff to ensure that we can continue to provide meaningful cultural experiences for our communities in the future.
“Saramago will close with immediate effect. We recognise the gravity of this decision, and are committed to acting in the most accountable and considerate way possible. We understand that this decision will affect people's lives and livelihoods, and will ensure that the transition is handled with sensitivity, conducting all necessary due diligence.
“We want to acknowledge the contribution that Saramago has made to CCA, and we thank them for the live music, vibrancy and atmosphere they provided to audiences over the years.
“We ask for your patience and understanding as we begin to work towards a future for the space.”
