About
A much more formal expression of our protest can be found at http://orfprotest.com
This web site serves many purposes, but none more noble than the goal of promoting a union of workers, performers, merchants, and other participants of the Ohio Renaissance Festival inc. While many readers might think instantly of high union dues with little reward, it was the Unions which brought most of the American labor force out of the dark ages of the Concrete Jungle and into the light of the modern work place. Sweatshops are just plain wrong. They take advantage of workers, especially the young and disadvantaged and allow rich incorporations to line their pockets unjustly. I feel the Ohio Renaissance Festival is just that, a sweat shop taking advantage of the young and uninformed.
That was not always our goal. After my family and self were treated horribly by Peter Carroll (President ORF Inc.) we became involved with this web site to commiserate with the many others he has treated poorly.
When Marietta Marcin was reported to have been fired, this web site was taken down and replaced with a big old Thank You Peter Carroll for finally listening to his employees and others involved with the Ohio Renaissance Festival. At the time, we felt much of Peter’s actions had been prompted by Marietta Marcin. We soon learned he was just as baneful of the festival’s participants without her.
I created a second protest site at http://orfprotest.com with the new goal of causing change in a civil manner, but with the same goal. That goal being to either cause a Union to form at ORF Inc. which would improve conditions for employees and others participants or to cause those improvements with changes way management thinks of those involved, maybe to change management itself. I have always loved the idea of Peter Carroll selling the festival to someone who would treat his employees better.
Actors were paid far lower than State Minimum Wage standards. Often times they were paid in a type of script called Peter Pounds which were only taken at official ORF Inc. shops in a manner similar to he Robber Barons who took such advantage of coal miners that full scale revolts took place. Making matters worse, for this less than standard wage they are forced to sign a sign a complete waiver of liability. There have been very serious accidents during stunt and other performances.
Working conditions do not meet federal laws under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Small business report being placed in unreasonable conditions forced by the owner of the festival to remove employees for such things as epileptic seizures. Others report being forced to remove employees without explanation.
Gradually, other issues became apparent and the protest became about more than just employees and participants. We started to recognize that enviornmental issues were at hand. Accusations that chemicals have been dumped into the creek of that runs through the festival emerged. Evidence that ORF employees routinely burn huge amounts of guarbage (including plastic and other synthetics) arose. Questions of health, fire, and building codes were raised as well as proper taxation.
Both web sites began including serious concerns for the welfare of the general public. That’s where we remain; deeply committed to improving conditions for the work force and other participants via unionization or management change but also deeply committed to informing the general public of the things we see as hazzardous conditions created by Peter Carroll and the Ohio Renaissance Festival incorporation.
If you find anything on this web site which you do not believe to be factual, please feel free to write to formerblacksmith at petercarrollisanasshole.com Our goal is to provide 100% truthful information to better workers, participants, and the general public.
God Bless