Union boss slams Picturehouse following employee’s suspension

Living wage protesters outside Hackney Picturehouse last year. Photograph: Hackney Unison

A cinema workers’ union has lashed out at the Hackney Picturehouse after confirming one of its members has been suspended by the company.

Staff at the cinema firm, which is owned by screen giant Cineworld, went on strike again last week over bosses’ refusal to pay them the London Living Wage.

Gerry Morrissey, head of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU), said: “BECTU members in Picturehouse have been striking for over 10 months for a living wage, company sick pay and union recognition.

“It is appalling that Picturehouse and Cineworld would rather intimidate and threaten to dismiss their staff than enter constructive negotiations.”

It is understood the employee at the Hackney branch has been suspended in relation to union activities.

Commenting on the investigation, Morrissey added: “This is clearly an attempt to break the union by undermining the strike and intimidating other workers.”

A Picturehouse spokesperson said: “This is an internal matter – we are investigating possible unlawful activities and we cannot comment further at this stage.”

The London Living Wage, which is set independently and updated annually, recommends businesses pay London workers £9.75 per hour and is calculated according to the basic cost of living in the capital.

Workers at Mare Street’s Picturehouse launched an industrial action last October to demand the recommended wage, as well as adequate sick pay and other benefits such as parental leave. They also want the company to recognise BECTU as their chosen union.

Hackney’s mayor Philip Glanville has urged all businesses in the borough to sign up to the London Living Wage.

A statement regarding pay on the Picturehouse website reads: “For many years Picturehouse Cinemas has paid its front of house customer service staff well above minimum wage. Our pay rates are amongst the highest in the industry and have enabled us to attract and retain staff who are knowledgeable about film, skilled in many areas and able to offer high levels of service.”