RonnieZAndTheFabulousJuice
Gets Exposure – Ronnie tells us that a high profile blogging group took a photo
at his caravan on the top end of String Bean Alley this week which earned him
over 20,000 views on Instagram. He might have to move to Korea to get the full
benefit of that exposure but then today he has featured in an Age article which
included photographs. Ronnie has a point of difference and apparently is social
media savvy which might suggest opportunities for other traders.
Angry
Traders - A letter under the NUW logo was distributed to some traders on Friday
advising that a majority of Trader representatives had withdrawn from the official
Trader Representative Committee in protest at lack of progress. Here are some
reactions from traders who were not too impressed –
- Who was the author of the letter? The
letter was not signed or dated. It did have a union logo although it is not
clear whether it was from Trader Representatives, the union, or anybody else.
- We are told that some Trader
Representatives had no idea the letter was going out which brings into question
whether this was an autocratic action by a few.
- If the author was the TRC who gave
them the approval to refer this matter to a union on behalf of traders?
- Many traders are uncomfortable with
union involvement given the union’s adversarial and anti-business approach.
- If Management hasn’t been
communicating properly it needs to lift its game.
- There have been previous complaints
about rubbery meeting agendas and failure to produce minutes.
Night Market
– rumour has it that the Night Market operates at a loss. The Winter Night
Market has only 80 traders and significant setting up expenses so it is no
wonder. One trader has suggested the answer is simple – open up to more rent
paying traders. It will be interesting to see how the Summer Night Market is
set up.
(Editors Note: I have been informed by a senior member of management that in fact the Night market does make a profit and its income is not just trader rent.)
(Editors Note: I have been informed by a senior member of management that in fact the Night market does make a profit and its income is not just trader rent.)
Its AFL
Finals time – the Herald-Sun had a front page and back page concentrating on
Friday night’s game at the MCG and the fixture offered one local and one
interstate team. The conditions were right for a good crowd at QVM. But as one
of our football dependant traders said – “There is just no buzz, not the normal
football energy”.
Coffee Room –
On of the items of dispute associated with the withdrawal of Trader
Representatives from the TRC was “A lack of proper access to facilities,
equipment and space within the market precinct, to allow representatives to
function properly”. One trader asks if that means they wanted a couch, card table
and coffee machine.
Parking
Costs – a trader has pointed out an article in the Melbourne press with
employees of retailers at major shopping centre (Southland) complaining about being
asked to pay $5 per day for private vehicle parking. Queen Victoria Market
traders are generally parking vehicles associated with goods delivery and they
have to pay $12 per day or $35 if they haven’t able to get a parking voucher.
Sounds like the suburban employees have it pretty good or perhaps QVM Traders
should be seeking a fee reduction.
World Union
of Market Congress is coming to Melbourne in October and will include tours to
QVM. More details can be found here - http://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/article/173342/market-modernisation-theme-for-wuwm-congress
Stall
Movements – a trader has been told by his Category Manager that stall
relocations will be severely restricted while preparations are made for the removal
of Queen St. traders and the impending relocation of C, and D shed traders
prior to underground construction.