Culture sector workers and campaigners marching against cuts and sell-offs of libraries, galleries and museums, 5.11.16, photo Paul Mattsson

Culture sector workers and campaigners marching against cuts and sell-offs of libraries, galleries and museums, 5.11.16, photo Paul Mattsson   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Show culture some love

On Valentine’s Day artists, actors, those working in the culture sector and supporters took part in a walking tour around London as part of the ‘Show Culture Some Love‘ campaign. The protest visited cultural institutions facing cuts from Tory austerity but also venues who pay poverty wages and offer poor working conditions and contacts. Cinemas were a high priority with the wave of unionisation and strikes at Picturehouse cinemas. The national gallery was visited too, which was the scene of a protracted struggle against victimisation and outsourcing.

At every venue we heard from a group of poets who visit pickets and bring solidarity and support through their poetry.

Helen Pattison

Night tube trouble

The RMT tube union is balloting night tube drivers for strike action over working conditions and overtime pay. The night tube is only six months old and the agreement covering night tube drivers has been called “blatantly discriminatory” by RMT general secretary Mick Cash. Promotion and overtime pay do not apply until after the driver has exceeded 35 hours in a week. This prevents overtime being paid if there is late finish to the service because of earlier disruption. The result of the ballot will be declared on 14 March.