In desperation, and assumedly for his amusement, he did a 'job' at one of the manager's houses. For his efforts he is now in residence at HMP Armley.(since moved)
Grant's original sin was to be the unofficial spokesman for the nightshift, in particular concerning the biennial bonus reappraisal. The bonus is always reviewed downwards and conditions for its application are as relevant as those in insurance disclaimers. It is a huge bone of contention and subject to many a differing view.
Factory productivity has risen by some 50% over a period of 4 years. Despite most of the improvements coming from on-the-job personnel this is not reflected in improvements in wages or conditions. In fact, the reverse is true. Bonus payments are curtailed for the pettiest of reasons and 'promised' individual wage reviews are delayed; the goalposts always moved. For instance, many a worker who may put in plenty of overtime would be deemed to have an appalling attendance record for being late perhaps three times in as many months. Real reasons ignored, minor ones upheld. It really only leaves the sick route but who wants to be ill or a victim all the time?
Back to the plot -
Shopfloor anger over the bonus proposals dissipated as quickly as the unofficial overtime ban. Some had mixed faith in the procedural route, others more grudgingly, one or two muttered 'fuck 'em', one wanted to fight them on the beaches but everyone knew that it was all over and anyway Christmas was coming.
We've been drybummed said Grant. And yes we had been.
Grant was singled out for punishment - the aforementioned manager busted him to the dayshift with less pay and less suited to his accustomed lifestyle. He appealed and wanted an explanation for the move as none was given.
Pressures built and a petty spat with a supervisor was blown up out of all proportion and became the focal point. Grant is definitely not an angel and certainly made life awkward for himself and others. Tension was relieved by suspending Grant (on full pay) but leaving 'the half dozen of the other' to build a case against him and exonerate his self.
The fact that the supervisor is asian does play a minor part. It depends whether you like your asians served up tabloid/broadsheet or in the flesh. A likeable enough fella in many circumstances - even as a supervisor but often in this role, a pain in the backside. Personal advancement, just doing the job and following orders all play a part.
The race element was widely accepted to have been a convenient blanket.
Grant finally got to have his appeal but only after much delay, a case built up against him and his isolation leading to desperation. At his 'trial' he gave an eloquent defence of himself and laid out the course of events leading up to the spat (upon which all this hinged). The company representative, who had previously been copying everything down; now exasperated but wouldn't have any of it, accused him of 'rambling' (decency holds me back from a Jerry Spinger Opera line here). He actually sputtered that he had 'never heard such insubordination in the lower ranks!'
In short, the case had already been decided. The Company instigated the real crime, made the rules up as it went along, picked at the evidence, provided judge, jury, executioner and set a procedure for the grounds for the defence. Not quite hung, drawn and quartered but the cuffs were out.
After a further adjournment (sic) a new 'hearing':
- formal introductions given,
- enter stage right: The Police.
- Oh! feigned Captain Mainwairing.
- Wild, eh? said Grant.
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