SCOTLAND'S largest music and conference venue has been accused of failing to recognise trade unions and denying basic human rights to its workforce.

At its AGM, Glasgow Unison, one of the UK's largest trade union branches, will also accuse the SECC of encouraging a culture of excessive boardroom pay and bonuses while terms and conditions of ordinary staff are being diluted.

But the SECC has hit back, claiming that despite permitting Unison to promote itself within the venue, there is no appetite among staff to unionise.

It also said if there was "a substantial employee wish for representation and recruitment on site then this will be accommodated".

Unison acknowledged only a handful of staff wanted union recognition but accused the SECC of failing to allow staff to organise until they reach the legally required minimum of 10% of the workforce.

It comes as it emerged that Glasgow City Council chief executive George Black is to stand down from his role as an SECC director.

His time on the board has seen several high-profile clashes with other directors, culminating recently in the announcement that its chief executive John Sharkey was quitting quicker than expected.

Scott Taylor, chief executive of the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, which attracts conferences and events to the city, has also left the SECC board.

A motion at tonight's AGM states: "Despite one year of active campaigning, recruitment and establishment of a health and safety committee by Unison, SECC continue to refuse recognition until the legally required minimum 10% trade union membership of the workforce is reached. We see no reason why our basic human right to actively participate in our union and improve our working conditions should be denied any longer."

But an SECC spokeswoman said there was "no issue with any employee who wishes to be a member of a union".