Students could have their graduation plans cancelled as venue workers ballot for strike action.
Members of the GMB who work as service assistants at the Brighton Centre could walk out from mid-June, threatening to shut the venue for music events, conferences and graduation ceremonies for several weeks.
If no resolution is reached with Brighton and Hove City Council, which operates the venue, events could be cancelled throughout the second half of June and into July.
The staff threatening to walk out are responsible for cleaning, setup, and repairs of staging, sets and seating for all events at the centre.
GMB Branch secretary Mark Turner said that the team has expressed concern about being “so understaffed that they are struggling to maintain safe working practices”.
He also called for “common sense” to prevail and for the council to properly invest in the equipment at the Brighton Centre and the staff who work there.
He said: “They are finding that casual staff brought in to top up staffing levels are often fully trained, meaning with staff shortages that at times they often can end up unsupervised and fending for themselves when trying to breakdown, assemble and even repair both staging and seating.
“Our members are telling us that if you then add poor and ageing equipment and fixtures into the mix, along with increasing numbers at times needed that it’s getting so bad that they are not sure if they can guarantee the public’s safety at events any longer.
“No one thought at the centre or the council is listening to them, so taking strike action could now only be the only option remaining to them.
“Let’s hope that common sense prevails and the council look to invest appropriately in both the venue’s equipment and the staff working there to keep this iconic venue open, safe and earning for the city.”
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Ballots for industrial action opened on May 22 and will close on June 2.
Brighton and Hove City Council were approached for comment.
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