A decent wage and sick pay -- it’s not a lot to ask for. But Cineworld is denying staff those basics.

Staff from the Ritzy Cinema, Hackney Picturehouse, Crouch End Picturehouse and Picturehouse Central went on strike this weekend after owner Cineworld reneged on their promise for a living wage. It’s still paying poverty wages to people across the country, and doesn’t provide sick pay either. Workers are struggling to make ends meet.

The day of action had widespread support from politicians and the entertainment industry, while staff were supported in their fight for better conditions by their trade union, BECTU. If we add our names to the public clamour for fair pay, we can secure a decent standard of living for hundreds of people.

Demand Cineworld give staff what it’s Picturehouse workers are asking for -- a proper living wage, and decent working conditions.

Stuck on poverty wages, worrying about paying your rent or bills if you get sick -- this is no way to live. Some Picturehouse staff need as little as a pound or two more to get by. Cineworld is a huge multinational corporation and one of the biggest cinema chains in the country: it can afford it.

Public pressure has already had an impact on the cinema industry. Protests forced Curzon to pay a living wage, while Everyman cinemas phased out zero-hour contracts. That shows what campaigning together can do.

If the Picturehouse staff win a living wage, it will boost the chances of all Cineworld and cinema staff getting the same decent pay and conditions. That’s why it’s crucial as many SumOfUs members as possible join the staff campaigning right now and add our names to their cause.

Cineworld: You owe your staff a living wage and fair working conditions.

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