7½ Cents
| Industry | Garment manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Seven and One-Half Cents is a novel published in 1953 by Richard Pike Bissell, marking his third published work and second full-length novel. It gained recognition as a Book-of-the-Month Club selection. Bissell collaborated with George Abbott to transform the story into the acclaimed Broadway musical The Pajama Game, which received the 1955 Tony Award for Best Musical.
The narrative takes place in the imaginary town of Junction City, Iowa, shortly following World War II. It centers on Sidney Sorokin, who serves as a labor superintendent at the Sleep Tite pajama manufacturing plant in Chicago. The plot revolves around a union-led work slowdown demanding an increase of seven and one-half cents per hour.
Plot summary
Sid Sorokin contends with persistent challenges instigated by his superior, Myron Hasler, who enforces stringent cost reductions during the prolonged absence of owner T. J. O'Hara. Hasler, a conservative opposed to unions and lacking experience in the garment sector, dismisses the union's request for higher wages.
Sorokin becomes romantically involved with Catherine "Babe" Williams, an employee actively supporting the union’s call for the wage increase. When Hasler denies the raise, Williams spearheads a slowdown, causing tension between her and Sorokin. As holiday orders escalate, Hasler insists on terminating Williams, but Sorokin cautions that such action would provoke a strike, compelling Hasler to back down.
Williams departs briefly due to a family bereavement; during this interval, Sorokin experiences growing uncertainty. A management consultant brought in by Hasler recommends agreeing to the union’s terms but is subsequently dismissed. Upon O'Hara’s return, he confronts Hasler amid concerns over losing a significant retail client spanning three states.
Sorokin announces that the seven and one-half cent wage increase will be implemented with retroactive pay and adjusted overtime rates. Following this, he tenders his resignation but discovers Williams waiting at his residence; she has also quit, and together they discuss plans for their honeymoon.