The Devil and Miss Jones Page #5

Made the frontpage of the Times, that's all.

Did you see him?

Yes, I saw it. This is quite a pleasure.

Likewise. Come on.

We're just about ready to start.

Come on.

I knew you'd join us.

I could tell that from the minute I saw you.

Alright everybody...

I uh...see that some of you

are here for the 1st time.

and you'd probably like to know more about us.

We are not professional agitators.

I myself started six years

ago at the Neely store

as a packing boy

and worked up to assistant section manager.

Now, our quarrel is simple.

We're given a small raise every year.

Thanks.

At the end of 10 or 15 years when our

salary is higher than a new employs

we're let out

Now this is a regular practice

at the store mind you.

Probably good bookkeeping...

But, I think that it's pretty unfair.

We're entitled to some security in exchange...

...for a quarter of a lifetime of loyalty

to one employer.

Um, may I interrupt please?

I've attended many of these meetings

but I've never spoken before.

I'd like to show you a practical case

of what we're fighting for if I may.

Certainly, Mary.

Step up here.

This is Miss Jones of childrens shoes.

(Applause)

Mr Higgins, would you step up here please?

Mr. Higgins!

Mr. Higgins!

Step up here, will you please?

This is Thomas Higgins.

How old are you Mr. Higgins.

Fifty five.

Now don't be nervious, Tom.

He's 55. Now that's not so very old.

Look at him, he's bright,

alert, has all his faculties...

...Can you honestly expect to be

in better condition at his age?

I hardly think so.

This then is the picture

of you...and me...

at 55 years of age.

Now I'm going to tell you

the rest of that picture.

He came to work this morning

in childrens shoes...

without the few cents in his

pocket he needed to buy lunch.

And that isn't all.

I gave him 50 cents.

Do you know what he did with it?

He kept it because he needed

even that 50 cents...

...more than he needed food.

Maybe for medicine.

Maybe for a place to sleep tonight,

I don't know. I didn't ask him

I felt too ashamed for him.

Do you want to know how he got his lunch?

From another employee.

Sharing the few crusts she brought

which were hardly enough for herself.

Fifty five years old...

...and nothing to eat.

By what kind fate did he

get a job today I'll never know.

And how long will the store keep him?

And what will become of him

when they let him out?

And he will be let out, he has been before.

He worked 15 years. 15 long

loyal years and they let him go.

Before that, he had a job for 10 years.

Twenty five years for only two employers.

Surely this man must have

been capable of holding a job.

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