Labor Pains

We celebrate those who work - as opposed to those who inherit family wealth and those whose financial investments work so they don’t have to. Outsourcing and increasing unemployment have caused some workers to experience hostility in the workplace. Below are typical statements made by bosses to their employees - just another day in the life of American workers under the corporate fist.

1. Look, it doesn’t matter if the fumes are making you sick. OSHA says everything is OK.

2. I already told you that you couldn’t have the morning off. Your Father’s funeral can wait till the weekend.

3. Union, did I just hear somebody say, "Union"? Fire that damn Commie !

4. You want a raise........hahhhhahhhahahahhhah.

5. Look, if you want a health care benefit, move to Costa Rica or Cuba. Third-world countries give health care. This is the U.S.A. Love it, or leave it.

6. What’s the big deal - it’s just asbestos.

7. Next time that you want to go to the bathroom, ask for permission first. That’s the rule.

8. You say that the school called and told you that your child was just injured on the playground and needs to go to the hospital. Who gave you permission to use the phone? Get back to work.

9. A little bit of ionizing radiation never hurt anybody.

10. Think of it as an adventure. Nobody dies from black lung anymore.

11. You say you want a week of paid vacation - move to France, this is America.

12. Hell no, you can’t leave. Wait till your shift is over. I don’t care if your labor pains are just 3 minutes apart.

Rosemarie Jackowski can be reached at dissent@sover.net.