Two nations divided by...

Lynne Patrick

Will someone please tell me what’s going on at the Sheraton in Baltimore?

More to the point, since I have an approximate overview of what’s actually happening – do I need to worry about it, and is it going to affect Bouchercon, for which I registered along with spouse and helpmeet (don’t you just love that word?) a couple of weeks ago?

And can the someone with the explanation please have no vested interest in either side of the dispute, or even in keeping the Bouchercon show on the road? That way I might get an accurate picture.

Because from four thousand miles away and living in a different political culture, I just don’t understand the situation, and I have no idea how to react to it.

This much I do understand: spirited discussion/persistent wrangling/bitter disagreement (delete as appropriate) has been going on for two years between hotel staff and management over a new contract. Actually union and management, which is maybe where it got complicated. It happens. It’s the union’s job to get the best deal for its members, and it’s the hotel’s job to provide the best possible service at the lowest possible cost. That’s business. And industrial relations. Do they still call it industrial relations, or am I betraying my 1970s youth?

One information source says the union has been contacting Bouchercon delegates to enlist support. Another suggests they’ve done this through a PR company. (PR company; union. Union; PR company. Is it just me, or does that sound like a contradiction?) No one had contacted me till this morning, when I received an e-mail from a local Baltimore newspaper, directing my attention to a blog about the situation. My impression is that feelings are running pretty high.

Why can’t I imagine any of the above, except possibly the original dispute, happening in here the UK? Do British feelings not run as high? Are our unions less resourceful/determined/pushy (delete as appropriate)? Do our local newspapers not have blogs?

And how will the dispute affect Bouchercon if it isn’t resolved by October? Will 1000+ delegates have to decide whether or not to cross a picket line?

I’m looking forward to Bouchercon. It’s my first big American crime convention, and apart from the opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones and lay eyes for the first time on people I only know across cyberspace, there are names on the list of attendees I’ve dreamed of meeting for years.

And while I’m as socially conscious as the next person, and would hate to see hotel staff done down by an unfavourable contract (if that’s what’s happening), I’m also aware of how much hard work goes into organising a huge event, and would hate to see this one derailed by someone else’s inability to reach agreement.

I have to be very careful here. Since I have access to only the minimum of information, I can have only the sketchiest grasp of what’s going on so it would be inappropriate for me to express a view. In any case, the view of this kind of situation usually depends on where you’re standing, and I’m standing much too far away.

But I really want to go to Bouchercon!

Comments

[Lance C.]

Here's a couple of articles:
http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2007/11/05/daily41.html?jst=cn_cn_lk

http://indyreader.org/node/121

This appears to be similar to what happens here in L.A. from time to time. The hotel conglomerate wants to enhance its bonuses and dividends, while the hotel workers want to continue eating.

Think back to your '70s youth: you can't -- really can't -- imagine this happening in Britain? Maybe not anymore -- maybe Thatcher and Blair really did the unions down -- but UK unions used to bring entire industries to their knees in some really ugly job actions. Emailing conventioneers is pretty small beer compared to sabotaging coal mines.

Expect some very disgruntled hotel workers when you go.

[Lynne]

Thanks, Lance - it's a little clearer now.
When I said I could see it happening in the UK, I meant in the catering and hospitality trade. The big battles all seem to be fought elsewhere.