Eva Smith's Diary

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Eva Smith’s Diary

1st September 1910

I’ve just got back from my summer vacation. It was lovely. I’m really looking forward to going again next year. Life’s looking up at the moment. It’s great! Just one problem though, the money I’m receiving at the factory. I’ve spoken to quite a few other girls on vacation and they earn much more than twenty-two and six. I’ll speak to Mr. Birling tomorrow to ask him about raising it to 25 shillings a week. I don’t see why not myself. I’m a good worker and have been in the factory over a year. We’ll just have to see what he says.

12th September 1910 

That’s it! I’m not taking any more. A few other girls and me, who are sick of the terrible money, are going on strike. He’ll have to raise our weekly wage then won’t he; well if he doesn’t I’m not carrying on working for him. He’s a mean man, and only cares for himself, wants all the money. It’s not very often I get annoyed I don’t like to call people and say nasty things about them, but I really have had enough today. This man has really angered me. I’m an excellent, hard, pleasant worker. How dare he have the cheek to say no! I told his this afternoon for the 6th time in the past 2 days, that because I was being promoted to leading operator I would at least expect a pay rise. His reply was the same, that it was his duty to keep labour costs down. His exact answer if I remember was; “I’ve told you again and again Eva, every time you’ve asked me. It’s my duty to keep labour costs down. I don’t know why the hell you waste your time bothering me when you could be working – earning good money for my factor. The answers a straight no, so get out of my office girl. Get back to your bleeding work.” What a lovely charming man Mr. Birling is, oh great is he.

28th September 1910  

A few other girls and me were back at work today after the strike. Mr. Birling came down to us “Clear your stuff out girls, you’re not welcome here any more. I’m having non of this nonsense about pay rise.” He said. I was shocked; it was an absolute disgrace. I’ve got to find a new job now. The first thing that comes up I will take because I’m really broke.

2nd December 1910

Today was my first day at Millwards. The customers and the shop assistance I worked with were all really friendly. I enjoyed working for once. Beautiful clothes and smart people surrounded me. The pay is a little bit better than at the factory; well of course it would be because Mr. Birling is just a tight, stuck-up old man! He only cares about money. I have no idea how his wife can live with him, I certainly never could. I had the most wonderful meal at Millwards. I’m so happy! I feel like someone again and not something.

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28th January 1911  

I can’t believe this; I’ve been sacked from Millwards. This is terrible. Somebody complained about me… How could they complain about me though? I haven’t done anything wrong at all. Someone’s obviously been making up a pack of lies, haven’t they? Yet again, I’m cold, hungry, soon homeless if I don’t get some money together, all because I’ve been sacked for the second time. My life’s not worth living. Every time something good happens it always ends up going wrong. I want a fresh start, I believe things will be better then. And I’m going to ...

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