Billy Bragg concert: solidarity change of venue

HOPE not hate has announced a change of venue for the sold out Billy Bragg concert scheduled for University London Union on 25th January.

The new venue will now be The Islington Assembly Hall, an excellent and historic venue two miles from ULU. The Assembly Rooms are easily accessible by public transport.

We have made this decision in conjunction with Billy Bragg and the decision is supported by The Wakes and the gig’s sponsors, the GMB Union and ASLEF. Our joint decision to move the gig is in solidarity with outsourced workers currently in dispute with the University of London.

Their union, the IWGB, has been involved in a campaign to secure outsourced workers equal terms and conditions with directly employed staff for the past year. On 10 December, they called for a boycott of events at all University of London venues.

As antifascists and trade unionists we would never cross a picket line. Such an act would be against everything we believe. We are therefore moving the venue of our fund-raiser.

Here’s what Billy Bragg said:

The majority of the outsourced workforce at the University of London are low paid migrants. They deserve our solidarity in their struggle for equal terms and conditions. To go ahead with this gig at ULU would be a betrayal of my principles and, I feel sure, yours too, so I know you’ll understand why we have had to take this decision.

You can find out more about the boycott and add your support here.

ULU has kindly agreed to transfer all ticketing information to the new venue. There will be no new ticketing expense incurred by gig goers and all venue cancellation fees will be met by the promoters.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Keep the faith!