Trump’s Scottish golf course accused of using pandemic to ‘jack up profits’ and cut jobs

Trade union suggests luxury resort is using health crisis to make ‘savage cuts’

Donald Trump’s luxury Turnberry golf resort has been accused of using the Covid-19 pandemic to “jack-up profits”.

The RMT Union said the US president’s venue in Ayrshire has announced it is likely to axe up to 80 jobs and introduce other cuts to sick pay, working hours, pay enhancements, staff benefits and working conditions.

A consultation ends on 16 August, with the RMT suggesting the resort is using the health crisis to make “savage cuts”.

RMT senior assistant general secretary Mick Lynch said: “RMT is stepping up the fight to protect our members’ jobs and working conditions at Trump’s flagship Scottish Turnberry operation as the close of the formal consultation looms large.

“As all the talk is about UK staycations at the moment it is clear as day that these savage cuts at Trump Turnberry are nothing to do with Covid-19 and everything to do with casualising the workforce and kicking away their working conditions to jack up profits.

“RMT is demanding that the axe to be lifted from above our members’ heads at Trump Turnberry and we are calling for public and political support for this campaign.”

Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International Scotland, described the situation as “highly sensitive” when asked about the threat of redundancy last month.

She told the Daily Record: “Our valued team members are uttermost in our thoughts and at the heart of all our communication as we navigate our way through this difficult crisis in the weeks and months ahead.”

Trump Turnberry has been contacted for comment.

Additional reporting by Press Association