Savoy Affair

Savoy Affair

The Savoy Affair refers to a controversial incident that took place in the early 20th century involving the Savoy Hotel in London, England. This incident had significant implications for the hotel industry and labor relations at the time.

Background

The Savoy Hotel, located on the Strand in London, was one of the most prestigious and luxurious hotels in the world. It was known for its opulent interiors, exceptional service, and famous guests. The hotel was owned and operated by Richard D'Oyly Carte, a prominent English hotelier and impresario.

In 1908, the hotel underwent a major renovation, which included the installation of a new electrical system. As part of this renovation, the hotel management decided to replace the existing workforce of waiters, who were members of the Hotel and Restaurant Workers' Union, with a new staff of waiters who were not unionized.

The Dispute

The decision to replace the unionized waiters with non-unionized staff led to a bitter dispute between the hotel management and the union. The union argued that the hotel's actions were a direct attack on workers' rights and an attempt to undermine the labor movement.

The union responded by organizing a boycott of the Savoy Hotel and calling for a wider boycott of all establishments owned by Richard D'Oyly Carte. This boycott received significant support from other trade unions and the general public, leading to a decline in business for the hotel and other Carte-owned establishments.

Resolution

The Savoy Affair attracted widespread attention and became a highly publicized dispute. The hotel management faced significant pressure from both the public and the media to resolve the conflict. Eventually, after several months of negotiations, an agreement was reached between the hotel management and the union.

Under the agreement, the unionized waiters were reinstated, and the hotel recognized the Hotel and Restaurant Workers' Union as the official representative of its employees. The dispute was effectively resolved, and the boycott was called off.

Impact

The Savoy Affair had a lasting impact on the hotel industry and labor relations in the United Kingdom. It highlighted the power of organized labor and the importance of workers' rights. The dispute also brought attention to the issue of fair employment practices and the need for collective bargaining.

Following the Savoy Affair, there was a significant increase in unionization among hotel workers in the UK. The incident also led to the establishment of better working conditions and improved labor rights within the hotel industry.

See Also

• Richard D'Oyly Carte
• Hotel and Restaurant Workers' Union