Re: Cohousing Conference early registration deadline extended to April 7
From: Doug Chamberlin (chamberlin.douggmail.com)
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 07:59:14 -0700 (PDT)
On 3/31/11 11:29 PM, Sharon Villines wrote:
For next years conference, just get a clause in the contract so you can cancel 
if there is a strike. I don't know the right wording but get legal advise. 
That's the advise of union friends.
I think your union friends have not thought it through because this solution is simplistic at best.

First, strikes are not the only action you might consider serious. Boycotts are not strikes. The boycott request might exist without a strike or strike threat from the union. So if you receive a boycott request you will have been alerted to a problem but unless there is an actual strike your contract clause will not help you at all.

Second, what about timing? If you are alerted to a labor dispute months before your scheduled event how long do you wait for it to be resolved? How do you write that contract clause exactly? "In the event of a labor dispute during the scheduled time of our event or up to X months previous, we are allowed to cancel our event without penalty?" I don't think this would fly.

Third, even if you find a way to cancel, you are then going to inconvenience all your attendees because they may need to make alternative travel arrangements, pay increased rates for rooms, etc.

No, I think the best response is to let the venue know you are aware of the labor dispute, that it will affect your dealings with the venue, that you want it resolved quickly, and that you will let your attendees know about it.

Doug C.


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