Dialogue

Bob Coles, a Chemco worker, is talking to Fred Smith, a foreman, about the situation at Chemco.

Bob: Morning, Fred.

Fred: Morning.

Bob: What’s this about the management only offering us 8%?

Fred: Well, I don’t know much about it… but you do realize that’s probably all you’re going to get, don’t you?

Bob: Well, I think if we don’t get more than that, there’ll probably be a strike.

Fred: Well, don’t forget that you’re asking for more than just the 20% increase – you’re asking for a shorter working week and more holidays as well.

Bob: Yes, but if we got our 20% increase we probably wouldn’t want so much extra holiday…

Fred: I think we have to consider the company’s position at the moment… we’ve just taken on a new contract and we won’t be able to meet it if everyone gets a shorter working week.

Bob: If we got a shorter working week, then we’d be prepared to work more overtime.

Fred: Well, if you can do more overtime, you don’t need a shorter week, do you?

Bob: Well, look, that really is nonsense. At least you have to admit that we need more money – don’t forget that inflation is running at 18% at the moment… I think you’ll agree that our wages are going to go down in real terms if we don’t get an increase.

Fred: Yes, but one important point is the company’s position at the moment. If the company has to pay higher prices because of inflation, and has to pay higher wages as well, then we’re all going to be in trouble.

Bob: Well, I suppose we’ll have to see what happens at the next meeting.

Fred: Aye.

1. Practice the dialogue in pairs.

2. Find as many expressions as you can in the dialogue that can be used for the following:

a) introducing a point; b) persuasion; c) interrupting

3. Fill in the missing words. Don’t look at the text.

a) You do realize that’s probably all you’re going to ___, don’t you?

b) You’re asking for a shorter ____ week and more holidays as well.

c) I think we have to consider the company’s ______ at the moment.

d) Well, look, that really is ________.

e) Inflation is _______ at 18% at the moment.

4. Writing. Write a report of your meeting with your opponent, setting out your respective proposals.

5. Compromising.

It is often necessary to use “if” sentences in order to make a compromise. On the left are a number of “if” sentences (conditions) and on the right are a number of consequences. Match the conditions with the consequences in a sensible way.

If you agree to work overtime…	Our wages will go down in real terms.
If the workers went on strike…	Then we’d all lose our jobs.
If we agreed to an increase of 8%.	We’d be prepared to work more overtime.
If the company went bankrupt …	The company will have to pay higher prices.
If we lose the new contract…	Then we’ll agree to an extra day’s holiday.
If we had a shorter working week…	We’ll agree to 15% increase.
If you agree to a 35-hour week…	You’ll have to offer us a time-and-a half.
If you want us to work overtime…	The company would go bankrupt.
If we agreed to 20% increase…	The company would lose its new order.
If you don’t agree to the overtime…	The company will be in trouble.
If inflation continues…	Then we can’t afford more than 10%.