Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/831/19579
From The Socialist newspaper, 29 October 2014
Ritzy workers threatened with redundancy
On the picket line at the Ritzy
Laurence Maples
The Picturehouse cinema chain has threatened more than 20 redundancies at the Ritzy cinema. This comes just weeks after the Ritzy workers won a 26% pay rise through a long campaign of strike action.
It is a clear attempt to gut the union in revenge for the victory and the Ritzy workers have made it clear they intend to resist this attack. They have beaten Picturehouse once and with a clear programme of strike action can do it again.
They also point out that this does not arise out of financial necessity, as Picturehouse claim - it is a very profitable cinema chain and Ritzy is frequently the most profitable site.
The Ritzy workers and activists in Lambeth are already working together to develop a solidarity campaign and spread the movement against low pay, linking up with the work done by the Fast Food Rights campaign in the area.
Bullies
Picturehouse's bullying tactics are a reflection of how much the Ritzy workers have achieved. It also underlines the need for the drive to unionise other cinemas to continue, as part of a wider revolt on low pay.
The TUC has voted to support a £10 an hour minimum wage and should follow this up with coordinated strike action to win it, which could draw millions of workers into the unions and bring the bosses to their knees.
Donate to the Socialist Party
Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 29 October 2014:
Socialist Party news and analysis
Millions robbed by greedy bosses
Capitalism - 'the new mediocre'
Record numbers of workers suffering poverty pay
Socialist history
Lessons from history: 1917 Revolution in Russia
Australia: The sacking of a government
International socialist news and analysis
Building a political alternative in Seattle
Socialist Party workplace news
Support FBU pension strikes: Save our fire service
St Mungo's Broadway workers discuss next action
Sheffield recycling workers to start indefinite action
Ritzy workers threatened with redundancy
Fighting for better pay for workers
Wales colleges: Vote 'yes' in pay strike consultation
NASUWT members strike at Swinton High School
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Leicester holds historic People's Budget talks
Southwark Labour demolishes homes
Readers' comments and reviews
Film review: On the streets of Belfast in 1971
Obituary
Home | The Socialist 29 October 2014 | Join the Socialist Party
Subscribe | Donate | Audio | PDF | ebook
2020