Eddie, it's no secret that the entire AT&T enterprise was based on a military model. Business office employees were considered the "force," and Force Management would regularly contact the "In Charge" desk to basically say, "Faster, faster!" when we were getting slammed (the Monday after Thanksgiving was notorious for being the busiest day of the year). It was like we worked in a war room and were the armed (with headsets) force fighting the enemy, AKA the subscribers. And just like those who served in the military during a war, we all have stories to tell, most of which only others who also worked for Ma Bell can truly relate to. Tell these stories to anyone who hasn't experienced "being on the inside" and either their jaw will drop or they'll just be completely baffled even if you explain the terms and acronyms to them.
One inside story about Operator Services I heard shortly after being hired was told by our Universal Service Rep training leader. A few in our class were current employees so there was no shortage of experiences to share. The male operator involved in the story asked for a "health break" and was told he was not allowed to leave his position. When the situation became dire and he still wasn't allowed to step away, he stood up and relieved himself all over the switchboard, no doubt elevating himself to hero status among his peers. This is just one example of the inhumane treatment of those on the front lines, and it dates back to the very early days of the Bell System. As far as I know, it wasn't any better at the "lesser" telcos like GTE, Continental, et al. They all took their cues from Ma Bell. If ever there was a workplace environment where unionization was essential, it was The Phone Company.
Also, thanks for mentioning "tone of service." In the business offices, managers would enter a small room surrounded by glass whenever they were monitoring calls. This was known as the "tone room" and I never knew why until I read your post.
And speaking of smoking, Ma Bell was quite accommodating in that regard, at least for "outside plant" workers, judging from the wording on this ashtray that my sister found and gave me. It must surely date back to the heyday of the model 500 telephone set.
One inside story about Operator Services I heard shortly after being hired was told by our Universal Service Rep training leader. A few in our class were current employees so there was no shortage of experiences to share. The male operator involved in the story asked for a "health break" and was told he was not allowed to leave his position. When the situation became dire and he still wasn't allowed to step away, he stood up and relieved himself all over the switchboard, no doubt elevating himself to hero status among his peers. This is just one example of the inhumane treatment of those on the front lines, and it dates back to the very early days of the Bell System. As far as I know, it wasn't any better at the "lesser" telcos like GTE, Continental, et al. They all took their cues from Ma Bell. If ever there was a workplace environment where unionization was essential, it was The Phone Company.
Also, thanks for mentioning "tone of service." In the business offices, managers would enter a small room surrounded by glass whenever they were monitoring calls. This was known as the "tone room" and I never knew why until I read your post.
And speaking of smoking, Ma Bell was quite accommodating in that regard, at least for "outside plant" workers, judging from the wording on this ashtray that my sister found and gave me. It must surely date back to the heyday of the model 500 telephone set.
