Let's Get to Work!

The American work ethic reached its peak

When we limited hours to forty per week.

Weekends were added to the deal.

Certainly all that had great appeal.

 

But gradually we have gone down the drain

As American companies have become less humane.

Now we have fewer guarantees

Due to the PRODUCTIVITY SQUEEZE.

 

Corporate profits is the name of the game;

More work for less pay is the companies’ aim.

Cuts in benefits, pensions, and hours

And limiting workers’ bargaining powers

 

Are affecting our workers nationwide.

Over half admit that they’re dissatisfied

With their jobs. Are you surprised?

Our work situation must be revised.

 

With a minimum wage at seven twenty-five,

That’s barely enough to stay alive.

That might be all that a student might need,

But not for a parent with children to feed.

 

Unemployment benefits expired

Because the members of Congress are mired

In an ideological impasse depriving

People of help when they’re barely surviving.

 

With a struggling economy, that’s not the time

To consider being jobless a crime,

Or to make it harder for people to cope

When they find themselves at the end of their rope.

 

Struggling workers now say with a sigh

That they’ll probably have to work till they die.

And there are people who have been reviled

When taking time off to be with a child.

 

Vacation time is another story.

Our record there is lacking in glory.

In Europe you start with four weeks per year.

That’s very different from what happens here.

 

In the U.S. laws there exists a great flaw:

There is no paid vacation by law!

After twenty-five years at a job you are lucky

To get three weeks off. Isn’t that sucky?

 

Let’s not pass blame; let’s not be greedy

Like the heartless ones out there--slimy and seedy.

Now is the time. Don’t sit back and shirk!

Let’s help the people! Let’s get to work!

(4-18-14)