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160 "No. Socialist or no socialist; they could pay you fifty per cent. more and make a handsome profit beside."

"Maybe. I don't know. Maybe we're entitled to it. It's another thing to git it."

"You won't get it unless you ask for it. Why don't you demand an increase under a new scale?"

"The old man wouldn't stand for it."

"He'd have to. He couldn't afford to shut down. He's making too much money. Besides, there are seven non-union men working in the plant. I've had them checked up."

"Well, of course they've got to join or quit."

"Sure! And you're only getting time and a half for overtime. You're entitled to time and three-quarters."

"I guess that's right, too."

"Of course it's right. Why, there are a dozen things that ought to be fixed up before you fellows sign a new scale. That concern's pulling the wool over your eyes every day. Wake up! and get what belongs to you."

"That's easier said than done, Steve."

"Not a bit. All you've got to do is to work the thing up. Get after the men. Convince them. Do it yourself. Don't bring in outsiders. Show them where they're getting trimmed every day they work. Put them up to demand a new scale with an increase that's worth while, and better all-'round conditions."

"Suppose we do that and the old man sticks out?"

"Then strike."

"How long would a strike last without Union backin'?"

"You'd have Union backing. I'll see that the Union endorses you. I can do it. You know that. I'll stop every wheel in every mill in this city till you fellows get what you demand."

"You know what you're talkin' about, Steve? You know what a hell of a lot o' red tape they is about