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Curzon cinema workers campaign continues with another Mark Thomas stunt

rikki | 18.11.2013 23:32 | Workers' Movements | London

The London Mayfair Curzon last night was the target for a stunt as part of an ongoing campaign for union recognition, better contracts, the living wage, and the return of concession tickets. The union BECTU appear to be on the verge of a deal as a result of pressure on the cinema chain's management.

Dayglow protest
Dayglow protest


As part of his series of '100 Acts of Minor Dissent' and in solidarity with Curzon cinema workers who are on zero-hour contracts and trying to get management to recognise the BECTU union in order to negotiate better conditions, Mark Thomas and friends staged another in a series of in-cinema day-glo demonstrations.

Before the event, at the Mayfair Curzon cinema in London, Mark briefed a group of around 20 supporters in a local pub, before buying tickets for the screening of 'Gravity' at the cinema.

During the pre-film adverts, while some held up the banners just below the cinema screen, lit by others with torches, supporters handed out leaflets, and also showed some of the audience members a short campaign video on mobile phones.

There was applause both at the start and at the end of the action, which did not disturb the main feature.

Some of the group stayed to watch the film, while others demanded refunds from a bemused manager, after complaining that their enjoyment had been upset by a disturbance in the auditorium.

The good news is that the campaign (which has been running for several weeks now), seems to be working. BECTU have just announced that they are very near to a deal with Curzon management to formally recognise the union. Once that is signed, they can then begin collective bargaining to try and improve conditions for workers, and also to hopefully move Curzon to re-instate concessionary tickets at their cinemas.

You can see a video of the action at  http://indyrikki.wordpress.com

rikki
- e-mail: rikkiindymedia[At]gmail(d0t)com
- Homepage: indyrikki.wordpress.com

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New Channel 4 series

19.11.2013 12:16

Well what do you know Mark pops up just as Channel 4 is about to announce a new TV series he has made. Can't believe that some are still fooled by this bandwagon jumper.

Yawning


It seems...

19.11.2013 19:02

It seems as if every time Mark Thomas is mentioned someone feels the need to attack him.
Did he spill your beer at a gig once mate?

Hmmm...


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This posting has been hidden because it breaches the Indymedia UK (IMC UK) Editorial Guidelines.

IMC UK is an interactive site offering inclusive participation. All postings to the open publishing newswire are the responsibility of the individual authors and not of IMC UK. Although IMC UK volunteers attempt to ensure accuracy of the newswire, they take no responsibility legal or otherwise for the contents of the open publishing site. Mention of external web sites or services is for information purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation.

Mark Thomas

20.11.2013 09:56

I think the reason people are cynical about Mark Thomas is because he is primarily a performer and his 'activism' only seems to come to the fore when he has a new TV series, tour or book to push.

Kenny


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