Cold Type. Harvey Araton

itself back into circulation. The banner headline read, AS WE WERE SAYING, as if clearing its throat. There was a large color photo below of a scab Trib driver with a sheepish smile, unloading bundles of papers in front of a newsstand.

      Jamie could make out the actual lead to the story in the sub-head.

      Driver Beaten in Late-Night Attack.

      He turned up the sound just in time to hear Brady congratulate the city on the return of its God-fearing daily.

      “…assure our readers that there will under no circumstances be further interruptions of production or delivery of their favorite morning paper. Today’s edition is on the stands, with all the hard-hitting, insightful analysis that Trib readers have long been accustomed to and…”

      Jamie had a vision of Pat Blaine propped up on a midtown bar stool, hoping the strike would be finished by the time he sobered up and remembered his contract. Poor Pat, he thought.

      “Mr. Brady,” the anchor interrupted before Brady could continue. Her voice was calm yet challenging, her demeanor pleasant but firm. Her brown hair was clipped just below her ears, her makeup inconspicuous, as if done in defiance of the more flamboyant network brand.

      “Before we go live to Deborah Givens at the Trib’s downtown Manhattan plant, could you explain how the newspaper was able to publish this morning without its union work force?”

      “As you know, the untimely work stoppage by the drivers and the other unions has compelled us to employ a new staff of deliverers, as well as replacements to man the presses and numerous other positions. Some of these workers have come from our sister papers in Canada and others are new Trib employees. And I must compliment all of these men who have embraced a most difficult situation, in many cases leaving their homes and families, risking danger. But they recognize that the threat of violence is not enough to turn church-going men away from the opportunity to support their families.

      “Our new employees are determined to help us build a prosperous future for the Trib, as opposed to continuing along the disastrous road the unions have been forcing one of our city’s great institutions to travel with their intractable and militant negotiating practices. I want to personally thank and commend these men and promise them all good jobs, good benefits. God bless.”

      “Are you willing to negotiate?” the anchor asked. “And if not, aren’t you engaging in union-busting tactics?”

      “Our employees have voluntarily vacated their positions and at this time we cannot make the presumption that they plan to return,” Brady said. “In the vernacular of the industry, the people we have hired are called permanent replacement workers. And permanent means permanent.”