Ritzy strikes again

Brixton Ritzy cinema members are striking today for a second time in a dispute over low pay.

The dispute hangs on Ritzy owners City Screen's pay offer to increase wages from the National Minimum Wage of £5.35 to £5.41 (or £5.50 without a sales bonus).

This is while the London Living Wage has been calculated at £7.20 and the poverty line is £6.25.

Members at the Ritzy have even proposed a staggered settlement over three to five years, but City Screen still refuses to pay above the poverty line.

The first day of industrial action took place last Saturday 26 May to coincide with the launch of Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End.

Staff dressed up as swash-buckling pirates, brandishing signs such as "Charge London rates, pay London rates", "Pay us a living wage! (or at least the poverty line)" and "A living wage for Ritzy staff".

The strike was well supported and the public was asked to sign petitions to add their weight to the issue.

Ritzy BECTU Representative Jackie Brett-Hold told the BBC "If you're going to own and run a business in London, you have to be aware that the poverty line is £6.25 and that the living wage is £7.20. We're not asking for this overnight."

Unless there is any indication to suggest that City Screen is willing to enter into further talks, a strike will also take place on Tuesday 5 June.