Vol. 77/No. 36      October 14, 2013

“Enclosed is $10 in blood money, a ‘safety bonus,’” wrote Maggie Trowe from Des Moines, Iowa, in a note sent with a donation to the Socialist Workers Party Capital Fund. In the rest of her letter, printed below, Trowe explains the circumstances behind the bonus at the plastics factory where she works.

“Two weeks ago the supervisor read a report on ‘knife safety’ in the morning huddle, including pointing out that used blades should be disposed of in special containers. I pointed out that there are no such containers and that the company should provide them. The practice now is to throw blades in the trash, making it likely someone will get badly cut.

“Last week they gave me the $10 gift card as a ‘reward’ for my suggestion. But there are still no used blade dispensers. I told several co-workers I’m giving this blood money to build the revolutionary working-class movement.

“Now the company wants workers to suggest a ‘safety slogan.’ It probably should be, ‘Don’t report injuries, it makes our insurance rates go up.’”

Boss bribes in the form of safety, attendance, contract-signing and holiday bonuses used to pressure workers to accept speedup, wage cuts and concession contracts — “blood money” — is a political cornerstone of the SWP’s Capital Fund, which helps finance long-range work of the party. Trowe’s donation was one of four “blood money” contributions sent in September, totaling $278. To make a contribution, write or call the Militant distributor nearest you, listed on page 8.

— EMMA JOHNSON  
 
 
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