They Wanted Weekends Off. They Got a Pig Farm.

Chapter 2

"Don't take Natalie personally," Ellie whispered, drawing me aside. "She's wanted to head the legal team forever."

Natalie had joined shortly after me. In such a small company, my position had kept her from a promotion, and the resentment had grown for years.

"I hear she proposed the 5-day schedule to Frank to win votes for the next promotion," Ellie said. "When you wouldn't agree, she took it as a public snub."

"The contract has real gaps," I said. "It gives a work schedule, but the method for calculating our pay is vague." I turned to the later pages. "It also says we must obey any work assignment without exception and pay a penalty if we refuse. Be careful."

Ellie had been here for only 6 months, and I liked her. She gave me an uneasy smile. "I know you're looking out for us. But weekends off sound wonderful. Everyone's signing, even Natalie. Surely it'll be all right."

I wasn't convinced. Before I could approach Frank, he summoned me to his office. He leaned back in his chair, looking worried. Ash had spilled over his favorite rug. As I entered, he stubbed out his cigarette.

"I saw your message, Tessa. Why don't you want the new schedule? I've always said this company is like a family. Speak freely."

He usually called us family when he wanted us to work late for free. Once, he charged a coworker 50 cents for printing a worksheet for her child.

Frank tapped his desk. "You've always pushed for employee benefits. Now there's one on offer, and you won't sign?"

"I haven't refused. Some clauses need clarification. For example—"

He snatched the contract from my hands. "There's nothing to clarify! Business is good, and we're sharing the benefit. I had someone review every word. Why are you holding everyone up?"

Under my stare, he cleared his throat. "I only mean you should sign soon. Making your coworkers wait won't help you."

I left with more questions. He said business was good, yet the last quarterly report had shown a loss. I nearly collided with Natalie outside his office.

"You're doing this to spite me," she said loudly. "You're the last one holding out. Are you determined to ruin it for everyone?"

Coworkers turned toward us. "I can't sign until I understand the terms. And why should my individual decision affect anyone else's contract? The company owes us an explanation."

Natalie stumbled over her reply. Some coworkers began to reconsider. "She's right. We sign individually. Why can't the rest of us proceed?"

Others argued that a company needed one schedule. Most waited, and several withdrew their support in the chat. Frank hurried out of his office.

"Don't retract your votes," he said. "We just need a consistent policy. Tell you what: if Tessa promotes our new schedule and recruits another employee, the rest of you can sign without waiting for her."

Several people cheered. No one had explained the need for every signature, and now Frank wanted me to bring someone else in. I made short videos explaining workers' rights online. I knew my recommendation could influence viewers. I wouldn't make one for him.