Reports of unacceptable treatment and non-payment at Playground Festival

Bectu has written to East Renfrewshire Council, urging them to investigate reports of unacceptable treatment at Playground Festival. 

Bectu is aware of a number of complaints circulating on social media about the way in which the Playground Festival near Glasgow has been run this week. Bectu has also received numerous complaints from members working at the festival about the shoddy treatment they have been subjected to.

A large number of the complaints suggest that supply companies and staff working at the festival weren’t paid by the organisers or allegedly had to threaten to withdraw their services during the festival unless they were paid . Bar and Catering staff say they were forced to work for up to nine hours at a time with no breaks and that they were subjected to being shouted at and verbally abusive behaviour from one of the organisers. We also understand that two acts pulled out allegedly because their financial guarantees weren’t paid as agreed with the promoters.

Bectu is aware of similar allegations made about these promoters at previous festivals and events and has today written to East Renfrewshire Council, who licensed the event, calling on them to fully investigate the circumstances and seeking assurances that the Council will ensure that robust checks are in place at all future licensed events to ensure that promoters adhere to Fair Work Practices as promoted by the Scottish Government.

Any member who is owed money or who was subjected to unacceptable treatment should contact Bectu immediately.