Odeon payroll dispute continues

Projectionist members at Odeon Cinemas have voted overwhelmingly to reject a proposed realignment of the payroll system.

Odeon management wants to pay all staff in arrears although many BECTU members believed that this was already the case.

If the company presses ahead, staff affected would receive a two-week shortfall in pay in the month of implementation; Odeon has offered to make an interim payment on a loan basis to make up the shortfall. The loan would have to be repaid by the end of the year.

National Official Lou George commented: "Members are being asked to choose between getting paid for only two weeks out of four or putting themselves in debt to the company, neither of which is acceptable to BECTU.

“Some years ago Odeon changed the payroll system which meant that staff were no longer paid in arrears and now the workforce is once again being asked to accomodate their employer when there is absolutely no incentive to do so."

Following the members’ ballot, the dispute enters its second stage. A conciliation committee comprising senior Odeon executives and BECTU officials will be hold a meeting, a date for which is currently being sought.