Campaign group scores another victory by exposing manager who bullied staff members
THE MANAGER of an Italian restaurant in Glasgow has resigned following claims he was bullying female staff members.
Giuliano Delia resigned from Via Italia after the company received complaints about its former manager.
Worker’s rights group Better than Zero (BtZ) posted a detailed account from someone who attended a trial period with Via Italia.
They claimed to witness Delia intimidating staff members who alleged they were scared of him.
“Bullying, intimidation and belittling is not acceptable in any situation.” Better Than Zero
The female making the allegation through BtZ wrote: “Bullying, intimidation and belittling is not acceptable in any situation.
“When you have young girls at 18/19 years old too scared to say anything because they’re terrified for their jobs so they put up with it, that’s absolutely heartbreaking and something needs to be done about it.”
Following BtZ’s post, the restaurant posted a statement which said: “After an internal investigation following today’s comments on social media, the company of Via Italia would like to state that the manager in question no longer works for Via Italia and has resigned with immediate effect.”
The post received praise from customers who were shocked at his actions.
CommonSpace spoke to Bryan Simpson from BtZ, who told us that although he was happy Delia had been removed from his position, BtZ hopes to sit down with Via Italia to ensure there are no future cases of staff intimidation.
Simpson said: “The victory at Via Italia shows what workers coming together can do to change a bullying culture.
“However, we are still looking to meet with the owners of Via Italia to put together a comprehensive anti-harassment policy to ensure that it never happens again.”
BtZ said it has contacted the owners of Via Italia to discuss it proposals, but has yet to receive a reply.
“The victory at Via Italia shows what workers coming together can do to change a bullying culture.” Better Than Zero
Speaking about the effect BtZ now has, Simpson said it was essential for people to know their rights in cases where bullying and unfair practices were common place.
Following the post on social media about Via Italia, BtZ has been in contact with eight employees of the restaurant to give them advice.
“It wasn’t all down to BtZ, it (Delia’s removal) was also thanks to everyone who shared the post and put it out. We have been in to speak to the workers, and are currently getting them into a union.
“Although we are very relieved he has been removed, we want to ensure long-term protection.”
Via Italia has two restaurants in Glasgow, one on Union Street close to Central Station and another on Sauchiehall Street.
We spoke to Via Italia, but the restaurant declined to comment.
Picture courtesy of Google Images
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