Saramago restaurant at Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow closes following dispute with staff

A restaurant in Glasgow has been closed with immediate effect following a long-running staff dispute.

Saramago Cafe Bar, located inside the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) on Sauchiehall Street, has been closed since last month after a bitter row broke out over pay and conditions after workers alleged staff members were sacked for taking part in union-endorsed strike action.

The CCA, which operates as a separate entity, released a statement announcing that it would “discontinue” its relationship with the “business tenant” Saramago after attempts of a resolution failed.

The CCA statement read: “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.”

The CCA also thanked Saramago for the “live music, vibrancy and atmosphere they provided to audiences over the years”.