Renaissance Faire Union
“…more than half the workers were young starry-eyed volunteers, the only relatively well-paid workers being the real stars (actors portraying Queen Elizabeth and Co.) and the bouncers who patrolled the borders to keep people from sneaking in. We peons- dancers and musicians and jugglers- were paid little and often late, and our contracts were informal and nonbinding.”
Does the above sound familiar? It was written by Laurie Anderson about one of the first Renaissance Festivals in the United States. Lauri continues:
“In any case, the Pattersons [who owned the event] made the most of it financially: more than half the workers were young starry-eyed volunteers, the only relatively well-paid workers being the real stars (actors portraying Queen Elizabeth and Co.) and the bouncers who patrolled the borders to keep people from sneaking in. We peons- dancers and musicians and jugglers- were paid little and often late, and our contracts were informal and nonbinding.”
http://stupidevilbastard.com/index/seb/comments/annoying_union_bumper_sticker_of_the_day/
Unlike other amusement parks, commercial Renaissance Festivals can trace their roots to not for profit organizations. In the case of the faire discussed by Lauri, it was originally a fund raiser for a listener supported radio station. But unlike their not for profit / charity oriented brothers and sisters, commercial renaissance festivals are like other commercial entities, they are intent on putting money in the owners pockets. And yet, the perception that events like the Ohio Renaissance Festival some how helps the community persist to this day.
Certianly it stimulates the local economy and tourist industry, but at what expence? Is it acceptable to look the other way as information about its conduct emerges? Is it OK to support such an event with your patronage?
Profit is not in and of itself a bad. Placing profit before ethics and morals is another story. When a person or entity takes advantage of those “starry-eyed” young people for the purpose of unjustly enriching itself, that is when they cross the line. The Ohio Renaissance Festival Inc. is a for profit incorporation. As such, it should be held to the same standards as other for profit incorporations.
Visit http://orfprotest.com, read the content, and ask yourself if this is the type of even you want to support.
3 Comments to “Renaissance Faire Union” »
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October 17th, 2009 at 1:09 am
Sometimes unions are a good thing. Sometimes unions are not a good thing. After reading this blog, I think you are right. A union could do nothing but help these people. My question is, where are your State Representatives in this matter? What you are asking for is guaranteed under state and federal law. If the government agencies would do their jobs, there would be no need for a union.
As far as union dues, they seem to be needed if the tax money the government is collecting will not be used to keep this sort of thing from happening. Maybe next we will have to hire private police. Oh wait, if we expected to be protected we already have to hire our own police. I guess criminals of all types will take advantage of every instance where government agencies sleep on the job.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:04 am
Unions wont save the place because it is POISON.
November 17th, 2009 at 3:44 am
bob your posts make you seem a little bitter. got over it.