philomena

worked days in the pastry kitchen and i worked nights. her two daughters worked in banquets and she was friends with Lana and Hong. I knew through the grapevine she was having problems with her hands and the Shaw wasn't too interested in helping.

the Shaw would prefer to replace an employee than have one go on compensation. It was cheaper and easier. The rest of the kitchen staff consisted of apprentice cooks, immigrants and the handicapped and the chef had most of them under his thumb...

but Philomena still had some kindness and fight.

one night she was working late and i was cleaning a large pot in the pastry section. i asked her like a good lawyer if she was happy in the kitchen. She replied as expected and i asked her if she wanted to do anything about it.

Again as expected. i told her where to go and when to be there. She was in.

Events and services

are responsible for setting up tables, chairs and stages. They are paid $7.80 an hour to start. Men doing the same thing at Netherlands are paid $12. I've worked three shifts with them starting at midnight. Work is work.

I spoke with a couple of guys about possible action.

"you mean do something.
"you don't want to rock the boat."

The chains are secure and heavy around the ankles of a scared man.

After work I tell one of the supervisors, Charlie I'm forming a union. He swears it can't be done. i get his cell number ands tell him I'll call for the first meeting.

..no help...no resistance..on ward...