Vue workers at Glasgow St Enoch go on first-ever Scottish cinema chain strike over festive period

Workers at one of Scotland’s most profitable cinemas have launched four weeks of strike action amid a dispute over jobs, pay and conditions.

From Thursday, dozens of members at Vue Entertainment cinema workers based at the St Enoch’s centre in Glasgow will take industrial action for four weeks up to January 7, unless there is a resolution to the dispute.

It is the first-ever strike action at a Scottish cinema chain.

Unite the Union previously stated that cinema workers are taking action to secure the Real Living Wage, trade union recognition, and safe, subsidised transport for workers at the end of their shifts.

“Vue Entertainment are forcing our members into the winter cold because they simply refuse to address the unacceptable pressures and conditions which the cinema workers face every day,” Unite industrial officer Lorna Glen, said.

“Workers have had enough of low and unequal pay, late hours, unreliable safe transport home and a failure by Vue to recognise their union.

“The strike action will cause severe disruption to Vue cinema goers during the festive season but management doesn’t seem to care either about its workers or its customers. The blame for this dispute lies squarely at the cinema doors of Vue.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said Vue “could easily” meet union members’ asks.

“This dispute is a story about a group of young, low-paid workers saying enough is enough,” Ms Graham said.

“They are fighting back, and they have Unite’s unstinting support every step of the way in their battle to secure better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Vue cinema workers join other Glasgow hospitality workers on strike action after Unite’s membership at Village Hotels in Govan began strike action on November 28, which will last for five weeks until January 2, 2026.

A spokesperson for Vue said: “Our teams are at the heart of our business and are highly valued. We continue to have regular meetings and open dialogue with site team members.

“We’re still open and welcoming customers and look forward to providing the Ultimate Big Screen Experience over the festive period.”