Reforms at market has porters up in arms
Source: Agencies |
August 4, 2010, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
PORTERS at Britain's historic Billingsgate fish market yesterday began a campaign against reform plans they say would destroy the 680-year-old institution.
The market, first granted a charter by Edward III in 1327, generates 200 million pounds (US$300 million) in annual revenues and its porters transport 25,000 tonnes of fish every year.
But the City of London wants to revoke their licences, saying a 19th century bylaw governing them is obsolete and does not guarantee jobs or standards of porters.
Their union, Unite, strongly objects.
"The proposals by the City of London Corporation will destroy this important London market," said Jennie Formby, national officer for Unite, in a statement. "The changes will damage how the market functions and wreck an important part of London's heritage. The local community and London as a whole must now fight alongside these workers to ensure we can save Billingsgate Market."
The porters would not go on strike but campaign against the plan regularly with the local community. The City of London said it was confident the market could "adapt to changing circumstances."
The market, first granted a charter by Edward III in 1327, generates 200 million pounds (US$300 million) in annual revenues and its porters transport 25,000 tonnes of fish every year.
But the City of London wants to revoke their licences, saying a 19th century bylaw governing them is obsolete and does not guarantee jobs or standards of porters.
Their union, Unite, strongly objects.
"The proposals by the City of London Corporation will destroy this important London market," said Jennie Formby, national officer for Unite, in a statement. "The changes will damage how the market functions and wreck an important part of London's heritage. The local community and London as a whole must now fight alongside these workers to ensure we can save Billingsgate Market."
The porters would not go on strike but campaign against the plan regularly with the local community. The City of London said it was confident the market could "adapt to changing circumstances."
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