Popcorn revolutionaries: the struggle for workers’ rights at Curzon cinemas

They may work at the liberal intelligentsia's favourite cinemas, but workers across all Curzon cinema chains have had enough of zero hours contracts, poor pay, and the lack of union recognition.

By Rowenna Davis

A small group of workers gather in a dingy pub in central London. It’s the middle of a bright morning, but these young cinema staff don’t want to be seen. Months after their fight against their employer Curzon was first published in the New Statesman, they are still campaigning for three basic rights: a living wage, stable employment contracts and the recognition of their union. So far, all three of these demands have been refused.

“Leafleting and striking are all on the cards,” says Lee, one of the frontline staff. “There will be a response. We want to be positive; we won’t do anything without reason. The ball is in their court. We’d love them to take our concerns seriously. We’re still up for a conversation.”