Transcript: Stand Your Ground
[Alarm goes off, Worker rubs his eye and crosses of the day on the calendar. Date reads “First Day at WORK!”]
[Fast close ups of showerhead, teeth being brushed, toast popping up, coffee brewing into cup, keys being grabbed, car ignition being started.]
[Worker is led into his new workplace by his employer.]
Employer
This is it. [claps hands.] Pretty much your job, for now, is going to be...
[Employer takes two chemicals out of a cupboard and puts them in a table]
Employer
Mix this cleaning product to clean the equipment in the shop.
Worker
Uh… alright... what exactly am I mixing here?
Employer
Well I’m not exactly sure on the specific name but it’s used for cleaning the saws… the other equipment… It’s harmless.
Worker
All right… uh... I guess so.
Employer
Okay. You good?
[Worker nods then has second thoughts.]
Worker
Hey, sir?
Employer
[Exasperated] What’s up?
Worker
I don’t think I’m comfortable doing this.
Employer
Oh… well… get comfortable.
Worker
I wouldn’t want to put my own safety at risk.
Employer
Listen, I’m your employer and you’ll do what I say.
Worker
No… as my employer you’re obliged to take all reasonable precautions to ensure my health and safety.
Employer
According to who?
Worker
The Occupational Health and Safety Act, which also says that workers have the right to refuse work that they feel is dangerous… and I feel this is dangerous.
Employer
Well if that’s how you feel... You’re fired.
Worker
Hold on, the law also prevents punishment for workers who try to exercise their rights.
Employer
And how exactly do you plan to stop me?
Worker
[Pulls cell phone from pocket] I’ll just call the Ministry of Labour hotline number and get them to review the case.
Employer
[Condescending] Really?
Worker
Yup.
[Worker exits, leaving Employer looking bewildered.]
[On Screen: Know your rights. Speak Up! Speak Out!]