Strike at Kimpton Clocktower: Workers Demand Fair Treatment During Pride

Workers at Manchester's Kimpton Clocktower are planning a 24-hour strike during Pride, highlighting labor rights in the hospitality sector.

Told by Claire Lawson · 24 August 2026

Workers at the Kimpton Clocktower in Manchester are gearing up for a 24-hour strike on August 29, coinciding with the bustling Manchester Pride celebrations. This protest is not just about fun and festivities; it's a stand against management's refusal to formally recognize their union, Unite, which has been a point of contention for some time.

The strike is set to take place on what is touted as the most profitable day of the year for the hotel, making it a strategic move by the workers. According to Unite, management has engaged in bullying tactics and attempted union-busting, which has led to significant unrest among staff. Two senior representatives of Unite have reportedly been dismissed under dubious circumstances, a situation that the union claims violates UK employment laws.

Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, has stated, "Our members at Kimpton Clocktower are simply seeking to be represented by their union, but instead of granting them this, management has bullied them and undertaken union busting at every turn."

Past strikes have resulted in financial disruptions, including early closures of the hotel’s bar, The Refuge, due to insufficient staffing. In a show of solidarity, Manchester City Council is considering the cancellation of its provisional booking for the Best of Manchester Awards at the hotel, highlighting the potential fallout from management's failure to address worker grievances.

Alison Treacher, a regional officer for Unite, emphasized that this strike is self-inflicted by the hotel's management, saying, "Throughout this dispute, Kimpton Clocktower management have treated its loyal workforce with contempt." The pressure is on IHG to listen to their workers before the strike goes ahead, or risk further disruption during one of the year’s most celebrated events.