In the past, the work place has been a very terrible, unfair, and dirty place. For example, the workers may get low pay, and the condition of the workplace may be awful aswell. In the book Lyddie, the main protagonist, Lyddie has the decision to whether or not sign a petition for better rights and overall, a better place for the workers. Lyddie should sign the petition in view of the fact that there are terrible working conditions in the mill and Lyddie is working laboriously for little pay.
Lyddie should sign the petition because the factory is in a negative state, having awful working conditions. In chapter 10 of Lyddie it states, “Now that she thought of it, she could hardly breathe, the air was so laden with moisture and debris… She coughed, trying to free her throat and lungs for breath.” (pg.75,) this describes how terrible the working conditions are, specifically the air quality; containing moisture and debris, as Lyddie is not able to breathe affecting her health. In chapter 14 of Lyddie it states, “The drawing room was a welcome change for Betsy, but the move came too late to help. The coughing persisted. She began to spend days in their bedroom, then the house infirmary, until, finally, when blood showed up in her phlegm, Mrs. Bedlow demanded that she be removed to the hospital.” (pg.112,) In which, this describes how Betsy’s cough had worsened after going to the drawing room. If Lyddie does not sign the petition, more and more of the workers may get sick.
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Another reason Lyddie should sign the petition is because she and the rest of those working in the mill are being underpaid for how much work they put in. In chapter 12 of Lyddie it states, “ ‘Time is more precious than money, Lyddie girl. If only I had two more free hours of an evening-what I couldn’t do.’ ” (pg.91) Explaining that they are working for too long and that they wish for less work time. Also in chapter 12 it states, “We’re working longer hours, tending more machines, all of which have been speeded to demon pace, so the corporation can make a packet of money. Our real wages have gone down more often than they’ve gone up.” (pg.92) Which describes that they are tending to more machines equaling to more work time with decreasing pay. If Lyddie were to sign the petition, it would help to having higher pay, and more free time.
Others may think Lyddie should not sign the petition. This is because, in chapter 12 it states, “ ‘Should you sign the petition, Betsy, they’ll dismiss you. I know they will.’ ” (pg.91)Stating that there is a chance that those who sign the petition may get fired or blacklisted. Even so, if Lyddie ends up not signing the petition, nothing will change. It would be better to take chances for the better.Lyddie should sign the petition. This is because, Mr. Marsden, the overseer, takes advantage of his power and sexually harasses Lyddie. In chapter 16 it states, ”he stopped her and put both of his fat white hands heavily on either sleeve, dragging his weight on her arms
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