Ma Kiley Works the Line Read Transcript | Back to Menu Union, Yes In 1903, Mattie joined the Order of Railway Telegraphers (ORT), even though the division head "didn't want any women in his local." In 1950, well into retirement, she remained a loyal union member and wore her ORT pin, which along with her union card, had enabled her "to travel many a mile on the railroads, without paying a cent... there were times when, without it, I would have gone jobless and hungry." Transcript: Now there was a strike on the Western Union and none of us were handling any of their business... One night a delegation... consisting of about 50 men, came to the office and wanted to send a telegram to Washington, D.C... The night man refused... so some smart guy suggested they call me. Not knowing what was up I dressed and went down to see what was wanted. When I learned, I explained that [we] were not handling Western Union telegrams... They were very nice about it, and wanted to know if a money consideration would change my mind. I told them it wasn't a matter of money but of principle... That satisfied most of them, but then up walked a conceited ape, saying, "... I'll see that she accepts this telegram, or ELSE! I guess you don't know who I am." With that I told him, "No, I don't and that's just half of it I don't give a damn! I know you can get my $57 job and you are welcome to it. I AM NOT SENDING THAT MESSAGE!" and I didn't. Of course I was called to Fort Worth for investigation and later fired...