Market trader nearly loses 15-year pitch over sick-day dispute

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

A vintage vinyl dealer at Oxford's Gloucester Green Market nearly lost his 15-year pitch after a dispute with management over taking sick leave.

Mick Melbourne, owner of Mick's Records, nearly quit his regular Saturday pitch at Gloucester Green Market after management company LSD Promotions said he would lose the spot if he took time off sick. Melbourne had held the pitch for 15 years.

Regular stall holders are allowed up to four days off without losing their pitch fee, which is paid weekly in advance, but are required to give a week's advance notice. When Melbourne became ill two weeks ago, he lost the money for his pitch on Saturday, October 3, and said he was prepared to accept that loss. However, when he called management on the Tuesday following to confirm he would not be able to sell at the market the next Saturday either, he was told he had not given a full week's notice and would lose that money as well.

After a conciliatory call from head office, Melbourne agreed to keep his pitch but filed an official complaint with the operator over how the dispute was handled. Melbourne said the lack of compassion from management was particularly difficult given the challenges facing traders, including declining trade and footfall, traffic and road congestion, and the demolition of the George Street cinema. He suggested that other traders had experienced similar treatment.

How it is being reported

• 'Lack of compassion': Trader nearly loses market pitch after sick-day rowA vintage vinyl dealer nearly quit his Gloucester Green Market pitch of 15 years after a dispute with management over a sick day.Oxfordshire Guardian · 13 Oct, 05:00
• 'Lack of compassion': Trader nearly loses market pitch after sick-day rowA vintage vinyl dealer nearly quit his Gloucester Green Market pitch of 15 years after a dispute with management over a sick day.Oxford Mail · 13 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Mick Melbourne · Mick's Records · Gloucester Green Market · LSD Promotions · Oxford

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