Forget Me Not
Editorial note
Subtitle: 'A Layoff Lament'. Written in a workshop conducted by Arlene Mantel in 1983, Ontario. *6 and 5 = wage controls. †U.I.C. = unemployment insurance compensation.
Verse 1
We're still talking about building strong unions,
Unions that will stretch from sea to sea.
With high tech and 6 and 5*,
How the hell can we survive?
Look at me — I'm lining up for U.I.C.†
Chorus
And I'm singing, Solidarity Forever,
Trying hard to keep my union spirit high.
But my spirit's almost spent,
And I can't pay the rent,
Have you ever seen a union member cry?
Verse 2
For twenty years I worked in this factory;
I thought that I had job security.
But the robots have arrived,
And the VDTs have thrived,
And there wasn't any room left there for me.
Verse 3
If ever I needed my union,
Lord knows I need it now.
But I lost my vote you see,
And they lost track of me.
And the union's strength is weaker 'cause I'm gone,
Verse 4
Oh, you can force me out of the union,
But you can't force the union out of me.
For twenty years I've paid my dues,
And I refuse to believe
My union isn't there for me.
Sheet music
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