13. Henry
Background:
Henry emigrated from Ireland to Manchester as a small boy. He found work as an errand-boy and chimney sweep, and later worked in a cannery. After losing his right hand in an accident in the cannery, Henry had difficulty finding a job which would support his family. Henry lives in a tenement house with his wife and 6 children.
Work:
For the last 2 years Henry (now age 25) has worked in the steel production plant of the Junko Foundry. Henry’s primary job duty is to help move the finished products from the foundry onto railroad cars. He makes $2 a day for 12 hours of hard physical labor.
Wants:
Unionize?
Henry is intrigued by what he has heard about unions. In the newspapers Henry has read stories about labor unions beginning to form and organizing strikes. While most of these strikes have been unsuccessful, Henry believes that only by joining a union and working together for their common interests can the workers hope to gain anything in negotiations.
Background:
Henry emigrated from Ireland to Manchester as a small boy. He found work as an errand-boy and chimney sweep, and later worked in a cannery. After losing his right hand in an accident in the cannery, Henry had difficulty finding a job which would support his family. Henry lives in a tenement house with his wife and 6 children.
Work:
For the last 2 years Henry (now age 25) has worked in the steel production plant of the Junko Foundry. Henry’s primary job duty is to help move the finished products from the foundry onto railroad cars. He makes $2 a day for 12 hours of hard physical labor.
Wants:
- Henry wants a raise to $2.50 a day.
- Henry also wants the workday shortened from 12 to 8 hours.
Unionize?
Henry is intrigued by what he has heard about unions. In the newspapers Henry has read stories about labor unions beginning to form and organizing strikes. While most of these strikes have been unsuccessful, Henry believes that only by joining a union and working together for their common interests can the workers hope to gain anything in negotiations.