SELFISH AMBITIONS by Richard Evans

Author:Richard Evans
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Second chance romance
Publisher: 852 Press
Published: 2023-04-17T00:00:00+00:00

4.04 PM

The delegation stood as we entered. Indeed, most folks do when I enter a room as if in reverence to some sort of grand deity. I can’t help but wonder if it’s the man they’re venerating, or the position I hold. This is maybe the reason why many of my political colleagues misunderstand their true status in the community. It’s not them but the job they do that brings the esteem. I so hate this job and the dills I need to be associated with. It needs to end.

‘Lionel, nice to see you again.’ I offered my hand. ‘And Michella, you are as radiant as ever.’ I sat with Margaret Hodgeman on the opposite side of the table. Jordan lurked in a chair in a shadowed corner of the room. ‘I see you have a tea. Did you manage to secure a chocolate biscuit?’

‘All good Minister, thank you.’ Lionel smiled, taking his seat. ‘Thank you for seeing us. We appreciate the opportunity to speak with you again so soon after your visit to Germany.’

‘I’m afraid my trip was not as successful as we would have hoped.’ I shrugged, knowing full well they were aware of the company’s decision. ‘They clarified that unless government stumps up the cash, they’re out of Australia.’

‘As to be expected,’ said Lionel with a sympathetic nod, seeming to understand my predicament. ‘They’ve been bleeding the Australian operations dry for years. It’s time for them to step up and support their workers. The bastards have stepped down and backed away at the first sign of trouble, typical bloody Krauts.’

‘That is not welcome news for our members, Minister,’ Michella said, her tone heavy with sadness. ‘What will the government’s message be to them?’ Her face etched with gloom.

‘They’ve agreed to meet the national standards on retrenchment. More generous than anything being offered in Europe.’ I tried to inject enthusiasm into the conversation. ‘They agreed to provide four weeks’ extra pay for all the factory staff. Not administration, though.’

‘Factory admin?’ Michella asked, scribbling notes.

‘That’s a good question. Their specific response was administration staff at the corporate office.’ I turned and nodded to Jordan, taking notes. ‘Let’s check it, Jordan. I assumed all staff in the factory would be compensated, including on-site office staff.’

‘Is there nothing we can do, comrade?’ Lionel asked, his voice heavy with concern. ‘My members are keen to keep working.’

‘The company has requested the labour rate be reduced to twenty-five dollars an hour, with limited penalties for additional work beyond standard hours.’ I expected a reaction. Michella’s pen began tapping noisily on her notepad. ‘They want the entire workplace wage system based on units produced, not hours worked. They’re offering annual bonuses to bring the rate back to normal award rates, if production numbers and costs are within budget.’

‘How very generous of them.’ Michella’s sarcastic tone suggesting she didn’t agree.

‘Is the government prepared to do anything?’ Lionel asked, his voice tinged with hope.

‘As I’ve said in previous meetings, no.’ I paused, the silence emphasising my point.

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