Ritzy action suspended

Strike action at Brixton's Ritzy Cinema has been suspended following an offer to reopen pay talks by owners City Screen.

City Screen has told the union that they will make "a real offer" when they meet union representatives on Monday 18 June.

As a sign of good faith no further strike action will take place before the two sides meet, although further strike dates will be set if the talks do not result in a significantly improved pay offer according to union officials.

BECTU Supervisory Official Willy Donaghy said: "This latest move by the company is welcomed and we hope that they make an offer that begins to address the unacceptable low pay rates at the Ritzy.

"The offer from the company is a direct consequence of the exemplary solidarity shown by the BECTU members at the Ritzy."

BECTU members have taken strike action on 26 May and 1 June in protest at City Screen's offer to increase wages from the National Minimum Wage of £5.35 to £5.41 per hour (or £5.50 without a sales bonus).

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