PRESS: Cineworld Staff Demand Jobs Back Following Covid-19 Layoffs

(Alliance News) - Some 800 cinema staff at Cineworld Group PLC have written to Chief Executive Mooky Greidinger requesting their jobs back after many were made redundant, the Daily Mail reported late Saturday.

Last Tuesday, the cinema chain had announced plans to close its doors for the foreseeable future, following updated guidance on the Covid-19 outbreak. Many members of staff were let go, and staff with over three years of service were told they would be retained with 40% of their salary or average pay.

However, a group of 800 staff protested the move, demanding reinstatement. According to the Daily Mail, staff were only informed of the developments in a scripted phone call. The letter said the move would leave many of the affected unable to afford essentials such as housing and food for an indefinite period.

The group - which is supported by union Bectu - said funds promised by the government to support businesses would help to protect their jobs.

A spokesperson for Cineworld responded: "Like other businesses in the retail and leisure industry we are facing an incredibly challenging time as a consequence of the global coronavirus pandemic. We made a number of offers to our employees earlier this week including partial payments until we are able to re-open cinemas.

"Following the announcement by the government yesterday around the support they are now offering the leisure industry, including cinemas and their employees, we have written to our employees to let them know that we are currently reviewing this and exploring whether there are alternative options," they added.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8138495/800-cinema-staff-write-Cineworld-boss-demanding-jobs-laid-off.html

By Ife Taiwo; ifetaiwo@alliancenews.com

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