Book Opener

The Opening SceneCaterina is sitting on the front steps of the porch,reading a newspaper. Her brother, Lazzaro, and hisfriend, Dylan, have just arrived at home. They havespent the afternoon at a baseball game.Paper ChaseCATERINA: It’s about time you got home. Where haveyou been?LAZZARO: Why should I tell you? It’s none of yourbusiness.DYLAN: We were downtown at a ball game. What’sin the paper?LAZZARO: She’s looking for another job. She got firedfrom her last job. I’m sure that you heard about itat school.CATERINA: Shut up.DYLAN: Are you getting unemploymentcompensation?CATERINA: What’s that?DYLAN: I’m not sure exactly, but every time my AuntCaitlin gets laid off, she gets unemploymentcompensation.CATERINA: She gets money for not working? Thatsounds too good to be true.DYLAN: That’s right. She gets money for not working,no strings attached.LAZZARO: That’s right up your alley.CATERINA: Shut up. Where can I find out about thatunemployment compensation stuff? I’m definitelyinterested.DYLAN: There’s an office downtown. You could stopby one day after school.LAZZARO: Did you find any job prospects in thepaper?CATERINA: Nothing I can do.LAZZARO: No surprise there.CATERINA: Shut up.(Dylan picks up the paper and looks at the want ads.His eyes rest on one ad.)DYLAN: What about this ad for a Gal Friday? Maybeyou could do that.CATERINA: Gal Friday? What’s that?DYLAN: I have no clue.CATERINA: Maybe I should just try to get some of thatunemployment compensation. Did you say theoffice is downtown?DYLAN: On Euclid Avenue where it crosses NinthStreet.CATERINA: I have one more question. Will I need asocial security number?DYLAN: Probably.CATERINA: Then I better go to the Social SecurityOffice first.LAZZARO: You mean you never got a social securitycard?CATERINA: That’s right. It didn’t matter. Mr. Pellis paidme in cash.LAZZARO: Maybe it’s a good thing that you got firedafter all.1. What is the Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration?2. What rights do employees have regarding wages,hours, and benefits?3. What privacy rights do employees have?4. What classes are protected from unlawfuldiscrimination in employment matters?5. What rights do employees have in relation toequal employment opportunities?Chapter 21: Employment Protection and Equal Opportunity 453