(model protective language from event contracts from UNITE HERE)

Excused non-performance language and how it can protect your organization

Most excused non-performance and force majeure clauses protect organizations from so-called “acts of God.” However, many such clauses address other extraordinary events such as labor disputes, and an increasing number of these clauses include language that indemnifies organizations for meeting cancellations which are caused by labor disputes. Such language has been successfully used by many organizations for this purpose.

More and more meeting planners recognize that they need to protect themselves and their organizations from the potentially negative effects of labor disputes in this manner, and leading industry resources have begun to reflect some of those concerns. In the 2/1/04 issue of Religious Conference Manager, a report entitled “Negotiating and Contracts” specifically mentions unions in the section on negotiating contracts’ cancellation clauses.
With the right language, you should be able to cancel your meeting contract without penalty in the event of a labor dispute.