The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1927-06-23
AN UNEMPLOYED NECKWEAR KNTTTER'S
STORY
BY L LAZARoYITz (worker Correspondence

Joe woke up at six in the morning He felt tired.
Yesterday he walked through half the city looking
for job but he couldn't get anything. He came home
late and, without supper went to bed Lately he has
begun to decrease his meals due his lack Of money
Waking up Joe felt physically weak but he remem-
bered about his debts and empty pockets and got
quickly. He got dressed and went out to buy news
paper.
Joe is a knitter by trade He has been in New York
City only four months Before he to New York
he worked in a shop where 200 workers
poyed The conditions of these workers misera-
ble Family made $18 to $50 week. The dis
satisfaction of the workers growing The posi-
blities of organizing these wage slaves were good
Joe noticed all this and tried to lay the basis for
an organization that would help those workers But
being young and inexperienced, not using the proper
methods, Joe exposed himself. The boss found out
Joes intentions and fired joe
Since then Joe tried in different factories under diff
ferent in that other city but unable to get
any work at all Without any Of existence, Joe
tried for jobs every morning but with results. He
borrowed some money from his friends but later on
he could get from them. His friends lost
fdence in him. They accused him of being lazy with
out energy
How is it possible his friends argued not to find
work for such long time Joe listened to their
arguments but being hurt because his friends
fused to understand him and didn't believe him, he
replied to their arguments. Joe remained along
'among old friends"
Finally Joe realized that he was blacklisted Giving
up hopes of finding job in that city he decided to
leave. Who knows, in greater city there more
possibilities. Perhaps the people there not petty
minded.
Joe has been here in New York four months already
getting up every morning at six o'clock He looks for
anything possible but get work at all.
Today he must get job. 1t can't be otherwise. he
hasn't paid rent for the last two months and last night
he received final notice
An investigation of his pockets shows he has eight
cents He buys newspaper and Immediately begins
to look the Male Help Wanted page. Quickly Joe
follows after another and-yes, there is job fol
him. Not wasting much time he rusnes to the subway
pays nickel and with cent in his pocket and his
heart still hoping he takes the train to the place where
the job is advertised.
Joe was the first one to get to the place but before
the foreman there pretty big line waiting
for the Job. Finally the foreman came out Afraid t.
lose this job chance, Joe was shaking.
"who is the first one?" the foreman asked
4 Joe steps out and follows the foreman into the Of
flee The foreman begins to question. Where did yor
work? Why did you quit? How much did you GET
etc. Joe replies quickly but for or Other
the foreman is not satisfied with his and afte
few questions says
"I'm sorry, / don't think you will be able to worl
here, And not waiting further he left the office
get the next applicant.
Joe was shocked. He realized what it meant for him
He wanted to after the foreman asking Begging
i him, telling him ne would work Tor nan price. bu
the foreman is busy with another fellow.
Depressed, Joe leaves the office Coming out on tn
street again, without knowing where he is going, h
walks along with cent in his pocket He feels hun
CRY. He is passing by restaurant. Through the win
dows he people well dressed sitting at well
tables, giving orders to the walters.
Joe stops for minute, but unconsciously he touche
the only cent lying in his pocket. 1t was signal Il
move ahead.
People pass by Everyone seems satisfied and smiling
to the future. Nobody notice the miserable one
J joe