Several prominent horror authors, including the son of Stephen King, Joe Hill, have refused to participate in a British Library event scheduled for this weekend due to the planned strike by unionized staff over poverty wages.
The strike, which began on Monday and runs until November 9th, has led to several writers boycotting the 'Tales of the Weird' festival. Inspired by the library's collections of forgotten ghost and horror stories, the event was set to feature comedian Robin Ince, actor Alice Lowe, folk horror writer Andrew Michael Hurley, and Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski.
Joe Hill cited his mother, Stephen King, as one reason for his decision not to attend. "After discussing with other writers, I agreed it was best not to do the event," he said, adding that attending would have been difficult given the circumstances. Fellow author V Castro also spoke out against the low wages, stating, "A living wage and the ability to feed oneself and their family shouldn't be up for debate."
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) claims it represents a substantial portion of the British Library workforce and argues that workers are struggling due to poverty wages. The union's spokesperson pointed out that recent pay offers had been inadequate, with some staff receiving as little as 1.6% of an inflation-proof rise.
British Library officials have stated that they plan to keep all buildings open during the strike period but expect significant disruption and potential reading room closures. Despite this, the library claims it will maintain its normal opening hours and operate a reduced service during the strikes.
The strike, which began on Monday and runs until November 9th, has led to several writers boycotting the 'Tales of the Weird' festival. Inspired by the library's collections of forgotten ghost and horror stories, the event was set to feature comedian Robin Ince, actor Alice Lowe, folk horror writer Andrew Michael Hurley, and Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski.
Joe Hill cited his mother, Stephen King, as one reason for his decision not to attend. "After discussing with other writers, I agreed it was best not to do the event," he said, adding that attending would have been difficult given the circumstances. Fellow author V Castro also spoke out against the low wages, stating, "A living wage and the ability to feed oneself and their family shouldn't be up for debate."
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) claims it represents a substantial portion of the British Library workforce and argues that workers are struggling due to poverty wages. The union's spokesperson pointed out that recent pay offers had been inadequate, with some staff receiving as little as 1.6% of an inflation-proof rise.
British Library officials have stated that they plan to keep all buildings open during the strike period but expect significant disruption and potential reading room closures. Despite this, the library claims it will maintain its normal opening hours and operate a reduced service during the strikes.
! I feel so bad for Joe Hill, especially since his dad is Stephen King 
. It just makes sense that he wouldn't wanna support an event when people are strugglin' financially 
. The British Library should be ashamed of their poverty wages, fam 
. V Castro said it best - a livin wage shouldn't even be up for debate 
! I hope they resolve this ASAP so the library can get back to its normal self 
. Can we just send 'em all some care packages or somethin'? 
they're literally working hard to create spooky stories and horror novels but can't even take care of themselves on a decent wage 
. Like, what's next? Can't afford paper or ink anymore? 
The British Library is supposed to be all about preserving our literary history, not struggling with poverty wages 
. Maybe we can raise awareness about it and get the union more support 
?
this is soooo not right! I mean, I get that they need to negotiate for better wages, but poor Joe Hill has to deal with his dad's shadow 
... like, Stephen King is a legend, no one can deny that. And V Castro makes some valid points about living wage tho 
. This is all about the struggle is real kinda thing, and I gotta respect that 
. How are they even gonna keep it open during the strike tho? Like, it's not like they have endless funds or something 
I'm so done with these writers deciding not to attend just because they're being paid pennies 
. Like what's the big deal about striking over poverty wages? Can't they just negotiate better deals? 
It's not like the writers are asking for the moon here. Just a living wage and some basic human dignity would be nice 
. I swear, it's all about the drama and the attention 
. Can't they just work together to create change instead of making a big show out of it? 
.
anyway, who else is gonna boycott this thing?
they didnt wanna do this festivl cuz of poverty wages lol like how can ur supposed 2 live on min wage? 