A popular Birmingham city centre pub has spoken out against a recent train strike, describing it as “disgraceful” and blaming it for a significant drop in sales.
The Victoria, located just a short walk from New Street station on John Bright Street, revealed that the train strike forced them to reduce staff levels, impacting their operations severely. The strike, organized by members of the TSSA trade union, took place last Friday, May 22, in protest over rest day working payments. As a result, train services were limited and ceased running after 7 pm, restricting access to the area and affecting local businesses.
In a statement shared on social media, The Victoria expressed frustration over the strike’s timing during Pride weekend. They noted that, according to the BBC, slightly over 100 TSSA members were balloted for the strike, with potentially only 51 voters deciding actions that significantly disrupted hospitality businesses throughout Birmingham.
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“Our sales were decimated on Friday, May 22, due to the strike held by TSSA members, which meant we had to cut our staffing back accordingly,” the pub said. “We understand many other hospitality businesses in Birmingham suffered similarly.”
The pub condemned the strike as untimely and harmful amid ongoing economic challenges for businesses and self-employed individuals. “For this union to act so cynically with its timing over Pride weekend is disgraceful and completely detracts from whatever issue they might be raising,” they added.
The TSSA was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.