Horror writers put their fiction to the test as they reject invitation to British Library event in solidarity with striking workers.
The spooky season is upon us, but some horror authors are opting for a more sinister approach – boycotting a key literary event at the British Library. Several notable writers, including Joe Hill, son of Stephen King, have withdrawn from this weekend's "Tales of the Weird" festival, citing solidarity with striking workers.
The decision comes as the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) takes to the picket line over what it calls "poverty wages." The union claims that a substantial portion of British Library staff are struggling to make ends meet. As one writer quipped, "A living wage and the ability to feed oneself and their family shouldn't be up for debate."
The British Library event was set to feature comedian Robin Ince, actor Alice Lowe, folk horror writer Andrew Michael Hurley, and Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski, among others. However, many writers are choosing not to participate in solidarity with the striking workers.
Joe Hill explained his decision, saying that he couldn't attend the event because of what his mother might say about crossing a picket line while enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner with his wife Tabitha King.
Meanwhile, Texas-born Mexican-American author V Castro expressed her support for the strike, stating that a living wage should not be a subject of debate. Another writer, Keith Rosson, who recently released his novel Coffin Moon, has also withdrawn from the event, citing his respect for librarians as a profession and a desire to avoid crossing a picket line.
The PCS claims that the British Library's initial offer of 2% pay rise was insufficient and has since increased it to 2.4%. However, the union argues that this is still below inflation, and workers are fed up with being paid poverty wages.
As the strike continues until November 9th, the British Library says it will keep its buildings open during this time but may experience significant disruptions to its services.
The boycott is a striking example of writers using their platform to support workers in need. While horror fans might have been looking forward to the event's spooky festivities, these authors are choosing to put their values to the test.
The spooky season is upon us, but some horror authors are opting for a more sinister approach – boycotting a key literary event at the British Library. Several notable writers, including Joe Hill, son of Stephen King, have withdrawn from this weekend's "Tales of the Weird" festival, citing solidarity with striking workers.
The decision comes as the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) takes to the picket line over what it calls "poverty wages." The union claims that a substantial portion of British Library staff are struggling to make ends meet. As one writer quipped, "A living wage and the ability to feed oneself and their family shouldn't be up for debate."
The British Library event was set to feature comedian Robin Ince, actor Alice Lowe, folk horror writer Andrew Michael Hurley, and Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski, among others. However, many writers are choosing not to participate in solidarity with the striking workers.
Joe Hill explained his decision, saying that he couldn't attend the event because of what his mother might say about crossing a picket line while enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner with his wife Tabitha King.
Meanwhile, Texas-born Mexican-American author V Castro expressed her support for the strike, stating that a living wage should not be a subject of debate. Another writer, Keith Rosson, who recently released his novel Coffin Moon, has also withdrawn from the event, citing his respect for librarians as a profession and a desire to avoid crossing a picket line.
The PCS claims that the British Library's initial offer of 2% pay rise was insufficient and has since increased it to 2.4%. However, the union argues that this is still below inflation, and workers are fed up with being paid poverty wages.
As the strike continues until November 9th, the British Library says it will keep its buildings open during this time but may experience significant disruptions to its services.
The boycott is a striking example of writers using their platform to support workers in need. While horror fans might have been looking forward to the event's spooky festivities, these authors are choosing to put their values to the test.
... but what about us festival-goers who were actually looking forward to some sick horror stories? Now we're stuck with a bunch of cancelled events and disappointed fans? 
The British Library event was supposed to be epic! And now it's just a big ol' fizzle 
. I mean, I love authors showing support for striking workers, but can't they find another way to do it without affecting us normal people? 
. It's not just about the pay rise (although 2% is pretty low), it's about respecting their right to fair wages and decent working conditions. I mean, who wouldn't want to be able to afford a cup of coffee, let alone feed themselves and their family? 
The British Library event was supposed to be all about celebrating weird fiction, but in the end, it seems like the writers are the real heroes here 
. It's not just about the strike itself, but about creating a more equitable society where everyone can thrive – including our librarians 
.
. Its kinda sad that writers have to choose between supporting their colleagues or attending some fancy event 
. Can't they just work together instead of picketing? 
. I mean, Ive seen people strike for better working conditions at other places, but its a bit different when its one of the big cultural institutions like the British Library 
.
. These horror authors ain't just talkin' the talk, they're walkin' the picket line 
.
. And V Castro's words hit home for me too 
. These writers are seein' things from the perspective of the striking workers, and that's what makes their decision so powerful 
.
I mean, can you blame them tho? 2% pay rise ain't gonna cut it for people struggling to make ends meet... like my aunt who works at a library and is basically living paycheck to paycheck 
i feel bad 4 the staff who are strugglin but at the same time, its kinda cool that authors r standin up 4 what they believe in 
anywayz, gotta give props 2 these writers 4 takin a stand 
. It's great to see them standing in solidarity with the striking workers at the British Library - who wouldn't want a living wage? 
, i mean, horror writers making it all about some strike and solidarity and whatnot... shouldn't they just focus on writing stuff that actually freaks us out 
instead of using their platforms for social justice causes? don't get me wrong, the idea of workers struggling to make ends meet is definitely a problem, but can't we have more than one thing going on at once? 
2% pay rise might seem like a lot, but when ur livin paycheck to paycheck, it ain't enough 
and v castro's statement about a livin wage not bein a debatable topic is like, amen, sister! 
this whole thing is just proof that we got some amazing writers out there who care 
. Anyways, can't wait to see what other writers do next 
!
I mean, who wouldn't want to stand up for fair wages and decent living conditions? It's about time more people started speakin' out against poverty wages! 
by this decision from all those talented horror writers! I mean, I get it, they want to stand with the striking workers and fight for a fair living wage 
.