Pumpkin and the Strike
Pumpkin and the Strike
by Lynda Keen
Pumpkin left the mouse family and went on his walk. He hadn't gone far when he heard a shout.
Stop. Don't go any further. This is an official strike. Don't cross the picket line.
I won't cross a picket line, replied Pumpkin. I'm a union man myself. Why are you on strike?
In front of the line were a herd of cattle, cows and sheep, with placards saying, "FAU. OFFICIAL PICKET".
A ram answered. Shop steward. Ram's the name. Pleased to meet you. Same reasons as usual. Better pay, better conditions. Animal workers are the worst off in whole country. Work for little more than bed and board. Fed up of it. Tired of talking. Management just won't listen. Won't even recognise our union. Didn't want to strike but what else can we do?
We want parity with you domestic animals, added a black bull. Less work and more home comforts. An easier life, that's what we want, like yours.
It is a bad time for a strike, said a Jersey cow quietly to Pumpkin. Especiellement pour les moutons, with the little lambs, yes? They must still be fed, les bébés.
We have no strike fund, explained the ram, and so no strike pay. It's difficult for the mothers and families.
I may be able to help, offered Pumpkin, I'll see what I can do. I'll get in touch with my branch of the Domestic Animals' Union and the Wild Animals' Union. I'm sure they'll give you some support and help.
As it happened, the Animal Actors' Union helped the most with money. A circus gave a fund-raising performance and some TV animal actors sent generous donations so the little lambs didn't go hungry.
The Domestic Animals' Union launched a massive publicity campaign. Most domestic animals know they are far better off than farm or working animals and they didn't think this was fair and said so to management. Also, they acted as arbitrators, persuading management that the farm animals had a rough deal and helping to arrange a settlement.
The Wild Animals' Union also joined in. They weren't for talking.
Direct action, that's what you need, they said.
They attacked farms and fields and dug up crops. They joined the picket lines, making them much tougher. The farm animals were a little bit scared of them but also grateful in a way.
After several weeks, a compromise was reached and an agreement signed. This was:
1 Management recognised the Farm Animals' Union.
2 Wages were raised by 7%.
3 Earlier retirement was brought in, especially for horses and collies.
4 The standard of housing was to be raised.
5 A productivity bonus was to be paid to cows, based on the number of gallons of milk produced each week.
The strike settled, Pumpkin walked on.
