Unite meets the City of London corporation in bid to ‘Save
Billingsgate’
9 September 2010
Porters at Billingsgate Market will today (Thursday 9 September)
meet with the City of London Markets' Committee in their fight to
save Billingsgate market.
On Thursday 9 September the City of London Markets’ Committee will
travel to Billingsgate market to discuss the future of the market.
This committee - which consists of senior officials of the City of
London corporation - will decide on whether to continue with the
plan to revoke the bye-laws which will alter the running of the
historic fish market.
In August Unite fish porters launched a campaign against the plans
by the City of London corporation to change the way the market is
run. The fish porters have the support of local London celebrities
and politicians including: Ken Livingstone, former mayor of London,
Harry Redknapp, manager Tottenham Hotspur and John Biggs, London
Assembly member.
Jennie Formby, Unite national officer, said: “Billingsgate fish
porters are fighting to protect the future of the market. Today
they are making clear to the City of London Markets’ Committee that
it will jeopardise this historic market if the committee goes ahead
with the proposals to revoke the bye-laws which govern the running
of the market.
“The Unite campaign to save the market has gained the support of
much of the local community as well as the customers and merchants
of Billingsgate. The Markets’ Committee – which is meeting today -
must now hear the concerns of those who care deeply about the
market.”
The highly trained and licensed porters ensure the smooth running
of this successful market, they have a strong local connection with
the community. The proposals of the management directly attacks the
workers at the market.
Information on the Unite campaign for the future of Billingsgate
Market can be found at: www.unitetheunion.org/billingsgate
ENDS
For more information please contact: Saba Mozakka, Unite press
office, on: 020 7420 8916.
Notes to editors
The terms of reference for the Markets’ Committee is:
To be responsible for:
(a) the entire management of all matters relating to the
Smithfield market, Billingsgate market and Spitalfields market and
the letting of all premises therein (subject always to compliance
with the Code of Practice for the Disposal of Property), and the
appointment of the necessary officials;
(b) writing-off debts in accordance with such terms and
conditions as are from time to time established by the Court of
Common Council; and
(c) authorising the institution of any criminal or civil
proceedings arising out of the exercise of its functions.
The City of London Markets’ Committee consists of two aldermen
nominated by the Court of Aldermen and up to 29 commoners
representing each Ward or Side of Ward.
Further information on the
Markets’ Committee
