Saramago Standoff Sees No End in Sight
Both sides are standing firmly on their arguments. Saramago says that no employee has been dismissed for being part of a union, but instead for their uncouth methods of action. The full statement thread from the café can be found below.
On the other hand, the Clydeside branch of the International Workers of the World (IWW) has branded the sacking “union-busting” and a “brutal attack”. The pickets organised by IWW aim to get the staff members reinstated to their positions, as well as having raised £3,000 to cover their lost wages.
The IWW said in response to Saramogo’s statement on Twitter that it has “reached out and are ready to talk”. When asked for further comment, it said: “‘The IWW Clydeside branch is actively seeking out communications with the Saramago owners who have yet to come forward to the negotiation table.
“We encourage them to do so and they know how to get in contact with us.’
The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) has made it clear that Saramago are merely tenants of the same building and are owned and operated separately, although it has expressed its concern over the situation as fair working conditions are an “organisational priority”.
Fellow CCA tenants have also shown solidarity with the sacked workers. Aye-Aye Books will close its doors whenever picketing takes place and has said on Twitter it hopes to see a “swift and appropriate resolution”. Glasgow Short Film Festival has pulled or moved any of its events involving Saramago but continues to work with CCA.
The large turnout at yesterday’s picket can be attributed to backing from several other unions. Alongside IWW stood Unison Glasgow School of Art, Communications Workers Union Glasgow and Motherwell, RMT Scotland, and Strathclyde UCU.
Despite Saramago saying IWW is not a recognised union in the UK, protesters are set to continue waving flags and handing out leaflets until the situation is resolved.
