Upon hearing that the Messengers of SF had begun holding meetings to
improve working conditions, the Messengers of the east coast have begun
organizing as well.
The east coast traditionally has had a different attitude toward problem
solving than the west coast. Going back to basics, a certain
group of Messengers in a large metropolitan center on the east coast have
entered into a typical east coast union.
For decades legions of blue collar workers have worked closely with
various powerful and influential families. In exchange for smoothing
over the families' business deals and expanding their various customer
bases, the workers benefit from an effective system that safeguards their
rights as workers.
Taking cues from bankers, garbage disposal companies, accountants,
lawyers and connected politicians; the eastern Messengers have entered
talks with the prominent Gotti family.
For years Messengers have watched their earnings plummet, been harassed
by security guards and police, now their fortunes are beginning to change.
The Gotti family, oddly, was the party that proposed the alliance.
It was a cold day in February when a Messenger attempted to deliver a package,
and was turned away at the security console to stand outside in the cold
while the security guard forgot to call the recipient of the package to
come down and sign. The package, a super rush, was detained for a
total of 45 minutes and only after a series of frustrated phone calls did
the recipient of the package come to discover that his Messenger had been
waiting outside the building the whole time. Unfortunately for the
lazy security guard, the recipient was none other that Alfonse Gotti, a
nephew of the infamous John. Furious at the security guard, stunned
by the cruel treatment of the Messenger, Alfonse suggested a meeting with
the slighted Messenger.
These days in one city on the east coast, building security doesn't
dare harass Messengers, Messengers always walk in the front door, customers
consistently have their packages ready, and out of fear people have begun
tipping. In addition to an improved work environment, Messenger companies
have begun increasing commissions, providing childcare and benefits and
have even been known to give their Messengers stock options.
The almost immediate turn around in the welfare of Messengers is seen
by many in this east coast city as an unexplainable miracle, but there
are those who suspiciously point to the violent tendencies of organized
crime. Unsubstantiated rumours have surfaced when security guards
began making an unprecedented number of worker's compensation claims.
An inordinate number of guards had strangely broken or severed their own
fingers. Another statistic of a rise in high rise suicide jumps was
also noted. Usually in connection with drastic changes in building
or tenant policies towards Messengers. Very often in the wake of
building manager claiming worker's compensation for "running into a door,"
Messengers were invited to help themselves to building facilities, or improvements
were made to make Messengers' jobs easier.
Not only has the attitude towards Messengers changed in the private
sector, but also in the public sector. After the mysterious disappearance
of certain law clerk from a state courthouse, Messengers were no longer
required to check bags or go through metal detectors in any of the court
houses around the city.
Possibly the strangest development in this city-wide attitude adjustment,
has been the proliferation of glass companies. In recent months there
has been an unprecedented number of attempted robberies and break-ins in
high rises throughout the city. This phenomena has not only created
an accelerated demand for glass replacement services but has also created
hundreds of new security jobs.
Much to the chagrin of the power elite, Messengers rarely grumble and
have been known to burst into joyous song while they work. There
have been repeated sightings of Messengers, once sullen and cold, now hugging
strangers on the street and buying flowers for grumpy professionals.
Gone are the grunts and sour faces, in their place a frightening brightness
accompanied by the foreign "have a nice day." Professional around
the city have grown more accustomed to apologizing to Messengers when they
carelessly endanger their lives, and stopping in droves to thank Messengers
for the services they perform.
Cities up and down the east coast now come to this innovative community
of Messengers for seminars that instruct Messengers how to structure their
destinies as a profession. DC's experience has gained nationwide
acclaim and its model being used for other embattled professions across
the country.
