PIZZA EXPRESS staff celebrated a wage boost last night after bosses stop taking a slice of their tips.
Unite union members had been set to stage another protest as part of their campaign to stop the company pocketing 8 per cent of tips paid by card.

But their picket outside one of the chain’s 430 restaurants was rearranged as a party after bosses relented to pressure and changes its tips policy.

Ten thousand minimum wage waiters will see their pay rise from from October 6, when the company has give 100 per cent of tips to staff.

They climbed down after 10,000 people signed Unite’s petition for fair tips.

Union regional officer Dave Turnball said: “People were outraged that the hugely popular, family-favourite pizza chain had been skimming a proportion of its staff’s hard-earned tips.

“Waiting staff are among the UK’s worst-paid employees.

“They are heavily reliant on customer tips to top up their low pay — so today’s announcement will boost their income.”

Tory Business Secretary Sajid Javid attempted to claim credit for victory, pointing out it came “just days after I launched an investigation to look at this issue.”

But TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said it represented the power of trade unions.

“This is proof of what can be achieved when people stand together and challenge bad employment practices — positive change can be achieved in the workplace.”

Unite said it will now turn its attention to other restaurant companies, such as Ask Italian, Prezzo, Belgo, Strada, Cafe Rouge, Bella Italia and Zizzi, which have not been playing fair on tips to staff.

lukejames@peoples-press.com