13th Note staff launch bid to Glasgow City Council to take over venue and reopen to the public

Workers who won their legal fight against the owner of a collapsed Glasgow venue have submitted a bid to the council to take ownership of the space and reopen to the public.

The 13th Note, credited for helping launch the careers of Scottish bands and artists including Paolo Nutini, Franz Ferdinand, Mogwai and Belle & Sebastian, closed last July following an industrial dispute.

It came after union members staged a 48-hour walkout at the venue – the first Scottish bar strike in more than 20 years.

Focusing on working conditions and fair wages, the dispute culminated in staff winning an employment tribunal last month for the unfair dismissal of 20 employees.

The tribunal ruled that the workers were to be paid for 90 days of service.

Now, staff from the former bar have lodged their formal bid to take over the venue, and have reached out to Glasgow City Council and City Properties to take over the lease of the space on King Street.

Please read our latest statement regarding our bid to take over the 13th Note as a workers’ cooperative. https://t.co/Z1nrzkrjqc pic.twitter.com/iwbBovATby
— Save the 13th Note! (@13thNoteWorkers) June 13, 2024

In a statement titled Save the 13th Note!, they said: “We are proud to announce that, close to a year since the closure of the 13th Note, we have officially submitted our bid for the lease to 50-60 King St to City Properties and Glasgow City Council.

“This comes after months of hard work and dedication to draw up a plan that preserves the cultural heritage of the 13th Note while adapting the business model for a future dedicated to the community growth, workers rights and sustainability.”

The group estimates that it will cost around £40k to revamp the venue, and a petition directed at Glasgow City Council and City Properties has been backed by thousands of people.

The Unite Hospitality union said: “Our members at the 13th Note have just lodged their formal bid to take over their former workplace under workers control.

“A comprehensive plan to re-establish one of Glasgow’s most iconic music venues for people to eat and drink sustainably sourced produce, where workers share the profits.”