Workers' Liberty

By Sofie Buckland

Workers at Brixton's Ritzy cinema are taking strike action over management's refusal to raise wages significantly above the minimum wage. Ritzy staff, organised by BECTU, rejected the company's last offer of £5.41, or £5.50 per hour without sales bonus, voting unanimously to strike.

Ritzy is operated by City Screen, who have repeatedly refused to meet even the London poverty wage of £6.25, let alone the 'living' wage, currently set at £7.20. As the workers point out, City Screen is happy to charge "London prices", but not to pay a wage that is enough to live on in London.

Staff struck on 26 May, and will strike again on Friday 1 June, to coincide with the release of Pirates of the Caribbean 3. Origami "ship shape" petitions are available from the box office to fill in, sign and return – alternatively, email your comments directly to the management at enquiries@picturehouses.co.uk and copy to ritzystaff@yahoo.co.uk

Workers' Liberty members will be going down to the Ritzy on 1 June to show solidarity - hope to see you there!