Picture courtesy of Claire Fuller
The urge to go dystopian was strong with this photo. I am resisting that urge and trying a new path.
Word count: 100
Smoke ‘em if You’ve Got ‘em
The workers knew it wasn’t going to happen. They’d tried before but fear shut them out. Counting the vote now, their future hinged on the result. Yes meant union, no meant more of the same.
Milling around outside the shop, small talk made the waiting painful. Passing time, passing cigarettes around, whispers about what Joe, the union organizer, stood to gain. Someone always stood to gain more than they did.
When the word came, it was no surprise. They’d try again in the spring. Cigarette butts, like hope, were ground into the dirt. Today, it was business as usual.
© Erin Leary
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erinlearywrites 
Well written. I picture the workers standing around in a cloud of smoke waiting.
Have to admit I’m not a union lover but at this time, unions were desperately needed.
janet
I like where you went with this. You’ve painted another great picture with words and created tension in a short space. Nicely done.
Nicely done; I liked the hint of suspicion about Joe’s motives. A reminder about being ‘between a rock and a hard place’.
I lovely snapshot. Better luck next time.
I would say this capture the workers very well… Great writing.
Very well conceived portrait of an earlier time — reminded me of my grandfather, who championed unions and was actually killed for it (a story for another day, darling…)
I’m not writing this week, but I’d love it if you’d drop by my blog for a second anyway, I posted a big announcement today
This is as true some places today as it was years ago. This is a good description of the uphill battle for worker’s rights and the fear involved.
Oh what a wonderful last line. I got involved right away and went away satisfied. Well done.
Dear Erin,
Well crafted and hard hitting. I could almost feel the despair in the last line.
shalom,
Rochelle
“Cigarette butts, like hope, were ground into the dirt.” What a finishing touch Erin-loved this!
Yes, I’m sticking with the union, I’m sticking with the union, sticking with the union ….. No matter what your politics, that made for a compelling story with an ending with impact!
Erin,
Nice metaphor, hope like cigarettes flare briefly, then go out. Great story.
-David
A moving piece of history, local to many places, no doubt.
Cigarette butts, like hope, were ground into the dirt; what a great line. Working in manufacturing in a “right to work state” I am fully aware of that feeling.
A very different insight to the prompt. The workers seem resigned yet still hopeful of change next spring. Nicely done
Good story! Very clever to bring the unions into it!