Unite and Daily Mirror Launch Fair Tips Campaign

LONDON, May 15/PRNewswire/ --

Unite the union and Daily Mirror newspaper are today (Thursday 15th May)
launching a campaign to urge restaurants and hotels to sign a fair tips
charter.

The campaign is calling on the hospitality industry to support the Unite
and Daily Mirror 'Fair Tips Charter' to demonstrate their commitment to
ensuring tips and services charges are distributed fairly among staff.

Tony Woodley, Unite Joint General Secretary said: "Customers want to see
that the tips they leave are going to the hard-working staff who serve them.
Our 'Fair Tips Charter' will enable people to tip with confidence.

"Employers in the hospitality industry must ensure that all employees
receive a decent living wage with 100% of tips added on top. We welcome the
commitment by Pizza Hut and TGI Friday's to take a lead on this issue by
signing the charter. The union now wants others within the sector to
demonstrate their commitment to a fair and transparent tipping system."

Richard Wallace, Editor Daily Mirror said: "I'm sure many of our readers
were astonished to find that it's perfectly legal to pay restaurant staff
less than the minimum wage and then make up the difference with tips. This is
a loophole that the Government must close.

"It's equally wrong for companies to take a cut of staff tips. A tip is a
reward for good service and it should go directly to the people who earned
it. The Daily Mirror is proud to support this campaign and I urge all
responsible restaurant and hotel bosses to sign up."

Notes to Editors

The Fair Tips Charter states: As an employer in the restaurant industry I
pledge to:

1. Pay all employees at least the minimum wage with 100% of tips
added on top as a bonus with no hidden charges.

2. Reach agreement on how tips are shared with those staff directly
affected.

3. Make no deductions from tips or salaries to cover breakages, till
shortages or customer walk-outs.

4. Make all rules for the distribution of tips and service charges
available in writing for staff and customers on request.

Source: Unite the Union

For more information contact: Saba Mozakka, Unite Press Office on: +44(0)7768-693-953, Nick Sommerlad, Daily Mirror on: +44(0)20-7293-3741, Email - fairtips@unitetheunion.com

2008-05-14 19:03:38 0362081 PRNEWSWIRE