Edinburgh City Council will vote this week on a motion to officially back the Fair Fringe campaign
Edinburgh City Council has announced it will vote on a motion backing the Fair Fringe campaign supporting fair working conditions and the living wage for all Fringe staff.
The official endorsement by city officials would be a significant step in the campaign’s success, which is calling for all workers at the Fringe to be paid the real living wage of £8.45 an hour.
The campaign set out a charter of demands for Fringe workers, including a minimum-hour contract, equal pay for employees under 25, legally enforced rest breaks, and a ban on unpaid trial shifts.
Activists are also calling for paid transport to be provided for people who have to work past midnight to ensure workers’ safety.
Councillors will be voting this week on a motion officially supporting the Fair Fringe campaign and its aims, which already has high profile backing from politicians including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale and co-convener of the Scottish Greens Patrick Harvie. Comedians Josie Long and Frankie Boyle are also vocal supporters.
Council leader Adam McVey said: “The motion would endorse the campaign’s ten-point fair hospitality charter and there would be a report ahead of next year’s festivals on how these aims can be best promoted and adhered to in council-owned and run venues, as well as in food and beverage venues.”
Kirsty Haigh of the Fair Fringe campaign is optimistic about the announcement, commenting: “ECC backing Fair Fringe and taking a stand to say Edinburgh Fringe workers deserve fair pay, breaks and rights is excellent news.
“We hope they put in place measures to ensure venues and companies comply with the charter.”
The regulations would affect all venues owned and operated by Edinburgh Council, including temporary bars and food stalls.
A council report would also look into conditions for council funding deals for arts organisations and venues and whether these should be amended to better meet Fair Fringe’s charter.
