Labored Relations

AgMotiv is a manufacturer of manure spreaders whose hourly employees are represented by the United General Laborers International (UGLI) union, in a right-to-work state (union membership optional). Meet Travis Tee, the shop union business agent, who suffers from a mild case of Tourette's Syndrome and entertains frequent vivid fantasies about being a world renown union leader. Dewey Dumphrey, is a dimwitted shop steward with single goal of impressing Travis Tee. Anita Kloo, is the only female shop steward who hates men and sees any action taken against her or other women as sexual harassment or gender discrimination. On the opposite side are the non-union members including Toivo Jurva, a likeable and imaginative shop employee. Travis Tee struggles to keep his union local relevant in the face of an increasing level of job satisfaction within the hourly ranks. Anita Kloo adds to his headaches when she makes a federal case over an accidental bump from a non-union coworker in the company cafeteria igniting a battle between the union members and a rebellious group of scabs. Then his life takes an unexpected turn for the worse while walking a picket line.

Lee D. Rorman recently retired as a labor relations coordinator. He resides in Fargo, ND with his wife and two cats. He has published short stories and poetry. Labored Relations is his first novel.