Free Odd Jobs by Ben Lieberman Page B

who gives a crap if anyone has something to say about it?”

    The Kosher World management will be at the meeting, along with Sev, Sal, Frank and Wally Strewgats, the shop steward. The shop steward is supposed to make sure the union is being looked after. You know, fight for some rights. Wally doesn’t really do any championing for union causes, though. I haven’t found a Kosher World worker that likes or respects him, but he manages to win the election each year. I know it’s not his talent or work ethic that gets him elected. It must be something to do with the fact that no one will run against him. Bucking the system in place is not really a viable option. I’m going to find out why, but it’s pretty clear there are health problems involved.

    It seems Sev has some freedom to do things just because everyone knows what a shit show this would be without him. Sev makes the place run, but we all know it could be much better. There’s a ton of frustration. Management is not getting the profit margins and the union is not getting raises and benefits, yet all the tools are here for a successful operation. All the other crooked crap that’s going on behind the scenes is handcuffing everyone from making money and even gaining benefits.

    Sev tells me how much he hates this particular meeting. It’s supposed to deal with the same issues that have been raised for the last 20 years, yet nothing will get resolved. Everyone in the room knows what the problems are, but no one will address them. So the company and union will carry on, status quo.

    The meeting might be worthless but it should be interesting to learn what goes on. Also, the raw surprise when Jimmy Balducci sees me with the union guys should be worth the effort right there. I haven’t spoken to Mr. Balducci or his son Rich since he got me the job here. Every now and then I see Balducci from the distance, but I never approach him. Knowing one of the big shots might attract some resentment, and I’m all for limiting resentment.

    The discussion comes to order in the break room around a large table. Balducci, sitting at one end, looks at me and says, “Now you’re bringing in the heavy guns. You guys are shameless. I can’t say ‘no’ to this kid. He’s practically family.”

    Wally Strewgats says, “In that case, can we expect a 10 percent pay increase from management this year, Mr. Balducci?”

    Balducci looks at Strewgats and says, “No.” He pauses for a second and adds, “Holy shit! That was easier than I thought.” Then Balducci lets out a huge, exaggerated belly laugh.

    We all politely join in on the laugh.

    The meeting is well choreographed and all the dancers follow their proper steps. First the pay raises are shot down. Health benefits get nixed next. Then Wally asks for COLA benefits. The fact that I was new to the scene added a little flavor for them. Wally says, “Now Kevin, it’s not that we are thirsty. COLA stands for cost of living adjustments.” Wally waits for some laughs. He smirks and looks around the table but his comments are met by the abyss.

    Balducci basically speaks his well-rehearsed line in monotone. “Fellas, you know I want to help you out. Why wouldn’t I? The numbers are what they are and the cost to produce is outpacing production. Get me more efficient production. Bring that to the table and I can play ball with the benefits.”

    Wally pleads, “C’mon! We need more than the usual one percent adjustment. We’re falling behind.”

    “Wally, you know what’s happening all around this area. I can fire off the names of several unions that got crushed this year. Management just upped and moved the whole operation to where you can’t even smell a union. They closed the whole freakin’ factory and left everyone high and dry. It’s actually better to start from scratch than to be held hostage by the unions. I’m telling you something, cross my heart: we’ve been approached to move to Indianapolis. How ‘bout