Article by Giles Finnemore (Holy Ghost and St Stephens)
On Friday 23 July around 80 leaders from Hammersmith and Fulham Citizens gathered together in St Paul’s church Hammersmith. It was a warm, sunny day and the mood was cheerful. After all, we were here for ACTION!
In the vaults of St Paul’s Church we did the rounds and listened to written testimony from Yetti, a cleaner at EMI and member of Holy Ghost and St Stevens. Yetti said that she was unable to join us as she was at work doing one of her two jobs neither of which earned her the living wage. She thanked everyone for taking the time from their day to attend this action. We listened to a reflection from Faithful Citizens read by Valerie Voak and we heard from Andy Slaughter MP who gave acknowledgement to the efforts of London Citizens and the campaign for the living wage. Then, led by Paul Nicholson, the whole group broke into songs that called for justice and a living wage.
Fuelled by passion and intrigue we donned our Citizens T-shirts and badges and with banners in hand divided into 10 teams of six and one mega team of 20 and set off to Hammersmith Broadway Shopping Centre. The publicity surrounding the action had ensured we had a police escort. This not only aided our health and safety but it also gave recognition amongst members of the public that we were a genuine group of citizens with permission to be there. A photographer from H&F News, at the local council newspaper, took photos.
The mega team led by Rev. Madeleine Andrews stood at the entrance to the Broadway with banners and sang all the songs we had rehearsed. Meanwhile the 10 smaller teams with map in hand proceeded to visit businesses in the Broadway and deliver personally addressed letters explaining the living wage and asking for a relationship with them. In all over 60 businesses were met from the small privately owned businesses and shops to the mighty headquarters of Disney, Coca-Cola, L’Oreal and Universal Music.
Each of us was treated with respect by both the businesses and members of the public. Within an hour we were back at St Pauls’ Church for a quick review. Everyone was buzzing especially those for whom this was their first action.
Then we were gone … but not forgotten. They won’t forget us and we won’t forget them. This was just the first of many actions to ensure that Hammersmith Broadway becomes a living wage zone.
And the next is just a round the corner! On Friday 10th September we will gather at 9.00am again at St Paul’s Hammersmith before we cross the road and call on Coca Cola specifically to grant their cleaners the living wage by Christmas.
Coca Cola designed the ‘Father Christmas’ that we all know and love today. The beard, the hat, the red and white suit. This Friday he’ll be paying a visit to Coca Cola, and asking for their help to get the living wage for the cleaners by Christmas 2010 and grant their Christmas wish!
Bring your family and friends, and let’s ensure a good turnout for the next step on our journey to make Hammersmith Broadway a Living Wage Zone!
For information, contact Jonny Scott on: 07824 831596 / jonny.scott@citizensuk.org.uk
