All in all, the department was a pleasant place in
which to work. The work floor was a little warm, but well lit, quiet, and clean. Substantial banter and horseplay
occurred when the crew wasn’t actually loading batches, particularly on the evening and night shifts.
There was a dartboard in the work area, and competition was fierce and loud.
Frequently a crew would go bowling right after work, even at 1 :00 a.m.,
because the community’s alleys were open 24 hours a day.
Department turnover and absenteeism were low.
Most employees spent their entire career with the company, many in one department.
The corporation was large, paternalistic, and well paying and offered attractive fringe benefits, including large, virtually
automatic bonuses for all. Then came the change.