Station: [17] Strike in the harbour of Gröba
Paul:
If the boatmen stay on strike for much longer, I’ll end up spending the last of my savings!
Friedrich:
How do you think I’m doing? The only decent suit I own is at the pawnshop. And if I don’t redeem it soon, it’ll be gone! And all because the boatmen are suing for a statutory night-time rest period on board.
Paul:
And we suffer the consequences. It makes me sick!
Bootsmann:
I should be as lucky as you lot, sitting around and gossiping!
Friedrich:
Shut your trap, boatboy! It’s certainly not by choice.
Paul:
If only you’d finally end your strike, then we could all get back to work.
Friedrich:
And have some money coming in, you understand? Every hour we sit around here doing nothing costs us a fortune.
Paul:
Don’t think for a moment that we’re enjoying this.
Bootsmann:
We need the situation to be sorted out, don’t you see that? A statutory night time rest period on board is an essential demand for the boatmen.
After a night shift, you lot are tucked up in a nice, soft bed. But we’re supposed to vacate the harbour and make way for the next boat. That just doesn’t work, lads, you need to understand that.
Friedrich:
How much longer do you think you’ll stay on strike?
Bootsmann:
Tomorrow, the day after, next week – what do I know. We’re not going to give in. We have to win this time around. The harbourmaster will let you know when it’s over.
Paul:
Mate, I just need the income! Luise, my eldest, wants to get married in September. We’ve already called the banns, and the party’s supposed to be at the pub, the Thüringer Hof. How am I supposed to find the money to pay for all that?
Friedrich:
You’ll just have to put the wedding on hold for a few months.
Paul:
We can’t, Friedrich, she’s due to drop a little ’un by November. The situation needs to be sorted out by then, you understand?
Bootsmann:
Or else the young man may change his mind, and your Luise could be left holding the baby?
Friedrich:
Is this young man one of the boatmen, by any chance?
Paul:
Good grief, no! Works as a warehouseman for Heine & Co.
Friedrich:
Well then, you don’t need to fret!
Bootsmann:
What’s that supposed to mean? You think the people working on the boats are all scoundrels perhaps, was that what you were trying to say?
Friedrich:
Get off your high horse, Eddy. You know what I mean. Here today, gone tomorrow, a girl in every port…
Bootsmann:
No need to be jealous, friend. Why not try signing on as crew, if you fancy a bit of the same!
Friedrich:
No thank you, it wouldn’t be my idea of fun.
Bootsmann:
Because of the girls?
Friedrich:
Nonsense, but always on the go, who cares where to? No, indeed, I prefer order and routine. Besides, my Elfriede would never put up with it.
Paul:
Wouldn’t be my kettle of fish, either. I just hope the strike is over soon! I really must get back to work and make some money!
Friedrich:
If necessary, you’ll just have to take out a loan to pay for the wedding.
Bootsmann:
Now, don’t despair. I’m thinking another two days, three at the most, and then the strike will be over, and you’ll get back to earning money.
Paul:
I hope to God you’re right. Still, best of luck with your demands!
Friedrich:
The main thing is, it comes to an end soon. And now, how about going for a bite to eat, what do you say, Paul?
Paul:
Okay, let’s go!