Pizza express tips victory

In a victory for the campaign led by Unite, restaurant chain Pizza Express has announced that it is to drop the 8% admin fee it takes from staff tips. There had been regular protests by campaigners, joined by Socialist Party members, plus fury on social media.

The company has said that credit card tips will all now be distributed among staff.

Pizza Express not alone

Unite have said they will continue to monitor the company to ensure the change takes place. Also Pizza Express is not alone in skimming staff tips. Café Rouge, Belgo, Bella Italia and Las Iguanas do the same.

Las Iguanas demand workers pay them an amount equivalent to 3% of customers’ bills, irrespective of what tips they actually get.

The following are comments made by former Las Iguanas employee, Daniel Doran:

“When I worked for Las Iguanas in Bristol, on a typical Saturday shift I’d make £2,000 for the company and they’d charge me £60 for doing so. From such a shift I’d usually end up taking home £20-30 in tips, though many times I’d end up with nothing, and I’ve known waiters who’ve had to withdraw money at the end of a shift in order to pay the company. But Las Iguanas operate a two-month probationary period – you’d obviously be fired if you complained about the 3% policy.”