Mr. Birling:    We have to talk about the events that happened in the past few weeks. Do you know what I’m talking about?
Eva Smith:    Yes, Sir, I guess you want to know about the strike?
Mr. Birling:    throws a cold gaze at her Exactly, Miss Smith. According to some people I won’t reveal, you were involved in planning the strike for higher payments in my business.
Am I possibly mistaken, or is it true?
Eva Smith:    Yes, you are right, Sir, that’s correct. It was my idea to make up the strike, but I can justify it.
Mr. Birling:    I’m curious how you want to justify any of it, Miss Smith. I don’t know if there’s any reasonable explanation you could give me.
Eva Smith:    with a frightened voice Sir, me and my colleagues were already trying to convince you of better payment. It’s tough to go on with twenty-two and six shillings, day by day we have to choose between food and paying the bills, so we asked you for twenty-five. Organizing this strike seemed to be the only way to get a fair salary.
Mr. Birling:    confused I personally can’t imagine how this could be the only way for you to get a better salary. This strike was clearly a waste of time, and a waste of your chance in this business. Before you were up to all of this I wanted you soon to become the leading operator.
Eva Smith:    Sir, I… I don’t think I would want to take this position, I can’t dictate rules to my own people. I am fine with my tasks, but I can’t get along with my current pay.
Mr. Birling:    There is nothing wrong about being the leading operator of the works. All the beliefs about exploiting workers is nothing but false assumptions. What you clearly cannot understand is the fact, I cannot pay you more for a job than you actually deserve. That’s the problem with all of you, you demand higher salaries but don’t want to take the responsibilities.
Eva Smith:    first signs of frustration Mr. Birling, how can twenty-two and six shillings be a sufficient pay for this job? Have you ever thought about under which conditions we have to live?
Mr. Birling:    strong, emotionless attitude Miss, your current pay is more than fair, especially compared to what other factories pay. I already told you if you cannot agree on this payment, you are free to leave and work for someone else. As you have caused trouble and still won’t agree on my regulations, I’m forced to discharge you.