ONE of Belfast’s largest hospitality groups has been accused by a union of withholding wages from its furloughed staff.
The Unite union said the Bachus Group, which operates Filthy McNastys, Sweet Afton, Franklins and The Points, left employees without pay for up to six weeks.
A number of staff reported receiving part of their outstanding wages on Wednesday after a post highlighting the issue was widely shared on social media on Tuesday night.
But one staff member told The Irish News that yesterday’s payment was hundreds of pounds below what they believe they are owed.
It’s understood no payslips were issued, leaving staff unclear on the period covered.
Another staff member suggested they would not return to work until the long-running pay dispute is resolved.
The Irish News has learned that the dispute led to employees boycotting a meeting with management on Monday to discuss the return to work when outdoor hospitality reopens on Friday.
It’s understood that some staff are considering legal action against the company, while the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) has been separately asked to mediate in the case. The LRA said it does not comment on cases.
Neil Moore, organiser for Unite the Union, who represents workers at the Bachus-owned establishments said the missed payments combined with a lack of communication had created anxiety.
“This has been ongoing for the best part of year and has taken a toll on the mental health and finances of our members. Most recently, workers have been left to wait six weeks for wages, a delay they can ill afford as they struggle to pay rent and purchase basic essentials.
“The litany of excuses from the company for missed payments followed by next to no communication is frankly disgraceful,” he said.
“Regardless of what the reasoning is, every employer has a legal obligation to pay the wages of their staff.
“These wages have now only been paid - in part – ahead of the businesses reopening this Friday. Our members have also made clear their intention to lodge legal claims for breach of contract and unlawful deduction of wages if this situation continues.”
The union organiser said Unite would be monitoring the situation to ensure workers who raised concerns are offered shifts, with many still waiting notice for a return to work on Friday.
It's understood that the Bachus Group has said it is not aware of any LRA involvement and claimed staff were owed less than five weeks wages, with payments being made on a monthly cycle.
Unite said workers have not been given payslips to verify the claim.
The union said it entered discussions with the Bachus Group on Wednesday evening.
Along with Dublin Road premises The Points and Filfthy McNastys, the Bachus Group operates Sweet Afton, The Perch, Ritas and new sports bar Franklins from its Linen House complex on Franklin Street.
Bachus closed The Albany and Miel et Moi premises on the Lisburn Road in late 2019.
The location has been redeveloped as The Bowery, owned by former Drinks Inc boss Paul Camplisson.
The Irish News revealed last year that HM Revenue & Customs lodged a petition at the High Court in Belfast against Bachus Inns Ltd over an alleged unpaid tax bill.
According to Companies House, Bachus Inns has not lodged accounts with Companies House in over two years.
The Bachus Group was contacted for comment.
