WE DEMAND POPCORN!!!!!

UNISON MEMBERS COME TOGETHER FOR A CHRISTMAS CINEMA TREAT

Members of UNISON Inverclyde Branch which includes members from Inverclyde Council, Riverclyde Homes, West College Scotland, Inverclyde Leisure and the Voluntary Sector came together for a festive treat this weekend at the Waterfront Cinema Greenock.

It’s the second year that the event has been organized, with around 800 people attending their very own Yuletide screenings.

“We have been trying to find ways to bring our membership together which is no easy task as there is 1700 of them” says UNISON Social Convener, Veronica Rassmussen . “So we got in touch with the local independent cinema and hired two screens for a Xmas presentation of Paddington Bear.

“We were overwhelmed by the demand. So this year we expanded to a full weekend, with Good Dinosaur for the family, and Christmas with the Coopers for grown-ups.”

UNISON stewards decorated the cinema with tinsel and UNISON balloons, and were on hand in the foyer to greet guests. And the feature programme was preceded by a short power point about the union’s activities.

The cinema itself provided popcorn and drinks for the children, with anything left over being given to the local food bank.

“This kind of family day used to be something that employers might do. But with austerity, such things have generally gone by the wayside,” says Joe. “Unions are having to fill the void a wee bit.

“It was really exciting, with a nice festive atmosphere, especially for the kids. Its been great using a local independent cinema and I have to say the staff and management of the Waterfront Cinema couldn’t have been more helpful. We’re recommending that other UNISON branches contact their local cinemas and try and organize the same for themselves.”