For the first time in its 150-year history, fruit and vegetable traders at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market have gone on strike.
The action has resulted in the closure of many stalls, leaving Victorians walking through empty stands on Tuesday.
Traders are frustrated with the new electricity and waste charges, as these fees were previously included in the stall rent.
They said the proposed changes could lead to increased rents and a shift towards a more commercialised environment.
Traders have also expressed frustration over the lack of consultation and transparency from the market’s management regarding the redevelopment plans.
They are calling for a halt to the redevelopment until a comprehensive review is conducted.
The strike has garnered significant public attention, with many customers expressing support for the traders and concern over the potential loss of the market’s traditional atmosphere.
Giordano Burno, a customer who has been visiting the market for over 50 years, expressed his concern on Twitter.
“It’s clear as day that MCC is doing everything it can to destroy the traders in order to develop the site,” Burno said.
“They closed [the] car park – essential for survival. Blatant as daylight.”
Frank Fontana, a trader who joined the protest, said they’ve been worn down by increasing costs and disruptions.
His family has been running a business at the market for nearly 70 years.
He noted that the market has changed, with fewer customers following the impacts of COVID-19.
Matt Elliott, CEO of Queen Victoria Market, stated that they are striving for a fair and reasonable approach, saying, “People pay for what they use.”
However, Fontana explained that the additional charges would add up to an extra $10,000 annually for his business.
“The last thing we need now is more charges, which would force us to raise prices. It’s death by a thousand cuts,” Fontana told ABC News.
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