GRODDER
What’s the meaning of this? You lazy lot should be in the quarry! We have orders to fill!

WORKER
You haven’t paid our wages in two weeks.

GRODDER
I’ll be fried and battered before you ever see me paying the wages of any man who refuses to work! Get in there before I have your jobs!

WORKER
Have them, then. It’s no job worth doing if we don’t get any payment for it.

[WORKER slowly stares down Magistrate, and spits]

GRODDER
Very well. You leave me no choice. Do you want to be shamed by a boy?

WORKER
Huh?

GRODDER
Go in there, Cotter. These men don’t want their jobs, so their jobs are now yours.

COT
Mine, sir?

GRODDER
You heard me! I need ten thousand bricks by Sunday. Grab a pickaxe and a candle and start carving me stones.

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The Field Guide To Magical Animals by Joe Wierenga

This is what every other children's story is lacking: depictions of labor disputes.

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