COCA-COLA products will no longer be served at the Glasgow Film Theatre following a boycott from the cinema’s staff over the brand's links with Israel.
Unite Hospitality announced the workers' demands had been met on Monday following a boycott by the GFT's front-of-house and cleaning teams on handling any goods connected to the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement.
Coca-Cola products are part of the list, and the cinema will now take them out of use for the duration of the Glasgow Film Festival.
Art Workers for Palestine Scotland also published an open letter to the GFT last week calling for the cinema to adhere to the (BDS) movement and endorse the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel.
The letter was signed by more than 1400 and included the likes of Ghassan Abu-Sittah, rector of the University of Glasgow and filmmaker Ken Loach.
In an announcement by Unite Hospitality, it was confirmed that the remaining stock at GFT will be used up after the film festival ends, but no more will be bought, meaning there is no more money going to Coca-Cola.
The cinema is also reviewing the adoption of the BDS movement across the board and Unite said they hope it will encourage other similar companies to do the same in the future.
A statement from the union read: “Following discussions between Unite the Union and the Glasgow Film Theatre, we have come to an agreement to remove Coca-Cola products from the cinema bar, for the duration of the Glasgow Film Festival.
“After the festival, the remaining Coca-Cola stock will be used up – as this has already been purchased – before permanently switching to an ethnically-sourced alternative. This ensures that no more money will be spent on Coca-Cola.
“The GFT has also confirmed that the wider question of the adoption of the BDS movement is still under review by the board, in line with their legal and charitable obligations.”
Unite added: “As Unite member at the GFT, we celebrate this decision and will continue to encourage the cinema in this positive direction.
“We believe that the removal of Coca-Cola sends a clear message to those companies that continue to profit from genocide, and we hope this act will encourage similar venues to take a stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
