Ritzy strikers walk-out and rally

Ritzy Picturehouse strikers demonstrate outside an Odeon in Leicester Square, 7.10.16, photo by James Ivens (Click to enlarge)

Ritzy strikers followed their picket line on 7 October with a rally outside the British Film (BFI) Institute festival and march to Leicester Square.

Workers asked: if BFI can pay its staff the London Living Wage, why can't Picturehouse? The National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) supported the march from London's South Bank to the West End's hub for UK film premieres.

On arriving in Leicester Square, strikers rallied outside an Odeon - surrounded by celebrity-spotters staking out the red carpet for 'La La Land'. Their huge red flag, wide banner, drums and chanting for the living wage attracted a lot of interest.

There will be a joint strike between Ritzy and Hackney Picturehouse cinema workers on 15 October from 12noon.

James Ivens, Lambeth Socialist Party

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