10.04.07
Messy day
Sample room was moved to the mall, machines connected, tables set, pictures hung, everything is ready for a work&show.
So today the stitchers and the pattern-maker started working there. Back in the office there was a cook that prepared lunch and dinner. Meal becomes an issue in the mall. I suggested 10rmb for each to pay their lunch. Soon there was complaint–”back in the office we had dinner included.”
Well. after discussion, we decided to pay 14 each for 2 meals a day, plus 100 per month for extra transportation.
And this stitcher, still full of complaints, about how far it is to go to work now, about how early she has to get up in the morning now, about how little the food will be now and how much better it is in the office than in the mall….
She just does not think it’s enough.
Me:”I think it’s pretty fair. 7 rmb each meal is quite reasonable.”
Stitcher:”But the meals here are so expensive.”
Me:”Yeah but there ARE 7 rmb ricebox.”
Stitcher:”I had lunch today in the mall, it cost me 12rmb.”
Me:”Yeah but u don’t hv to buy that.” Then I threw her a piece of paper with ricebox pricing 6, 7 , 8 ,9 rmb.”You can have everything here, except when it’s more than 7, u have to pay the extra yourself.”
Stitcher looked and said:”Even my 12rmb lunch had very little meat. “Doubting how much she can get out of a 7rmb rice box.
Stitcher:”We need to eat 2 bowls of rice each meal, because we need to work. We need the strength! Unlike some other people who only do admin work.”(meaning me)
Me:”You won’t be starved, how much u think u can eat? a rice box has more than 2 bowls of rice in it! Besides, I don’t even get paid for MY lunch and transportation!”
Stitcher:”Yeah but u earn more. you are designer.”
Me:”Says who? I just graduate. How much u think the boss will pay me?!”
Stitcher:”Yeah but u have a husband to support you!”
Me:”Yeah, well u can find urself a husband that pays for you too!”
Stitcher:”The reason i agreed to work in the office is because it’s close to my home, now it’s too far!Nobody wants to travel so far to work!”
Me:”I live in Panyu, one hour by bus, who’s further?”
Stitcher:”yeah but u have a car!”
Me:”Yeah but I still take bus and metro!”
“Look, there is 100rmb for transportation. We want to keep you, but if u want to work somewhere near your home, that’s ur choice. The decision is made.”
It was until then, that she shut up.