Shadow Empire

Chapter 1233 Sweep
After the president and vice president of the state construction workers' union got into the car, they remained silent for a while. After the car had driven away from Lance's estate and headed towards the city for a while, the vice president finally said, "He has absolutely no intention of talking to us."

While focused on driving, the president replied, "Yes, I can tell."

"From his personal perspective, he has the ability and qualifications."

“I mean… he is very rich and influential, far more so than the capitalists we’ve faced before. It’s very difficult for us to make any demands that are favorable to us in front of him.”

"This is a tricky situation. We need to contact more people to help us, otherwise the construction workers' union will be completely obsolete."

In fact, they have encountered similar problems in their past work. For example, some conglomerates employ a group of construction workers themselves.

They do not lay off these construction workers when they are not working, and the wages and benefits they provide are quite standard, which makes their construction workers less dependent on the union.

Workers' reliance on unions is not an instinct or an innate emotion, but a means to protect their own interests.

The most important task of labor unions is to balance the relationship between labor and management.

When workers' rights are violated, unions need to take action. They can help workers whose interests have been harmed to negotiate with capitalists, and that is their greatest role.

The workers at the bottom of society, especially the scattered workers, have no weight in the eyes of capitalists, so capitalists show no mercy to them.

Without trade unions, the working class would certainly have a hard time, but to say that there would be no working class without workers is clearly not a correct statement.

So not all workers depend on unions; it's just that in the past, the unions they encountered were able to talk to them, reach an agreement, and achieve a superficial win-win-win situation.

Lance simply wouldn't talk to them, giving them no chance whatsoever.

The vehicle stopped at an intersection. The red light didn't illuminate very far. After glancing at the red light, the vice president turned to the president and said, "They might need at least tens of thousands of construction workers."

The president didn't say anything, but he knew what the sentence meant.

If the union can get one dollar from each worker, that's tens of thousands of dollars a month, and there are other additional benefits as well.

For example, unions and insurance companies also have partnerships. According to the latest federal laws, companies that hire workers are required to provide them with certain safety insurance during their work hours as a guarantee in case of accidents.

The issue of workplace injuries has been a long-standing struggle between workers and capitalists. Even with laws protecting workers' rights, capitalists continue to litigate with them over this issue.

Because when it comes to making payments, the costs are often quite heavy. For example, if an accident occurs and several people die, capitalists will sue rather than pay compensation if the cost of litigation is lower than the cost of paying compensation.

To protect the interests of workers, purchasing insurance becomes an option.

Companies can choose how to buy insurance for their workers, but unions can also interfere in this matter; this is how unions profit.

These workers may also receive one or two yuan in insurance premiums each month, and they can get some "commissions" or "kickbacks" or the like.

Then they designate certain safety equipment brands, which also involve kickbacks, and the kickbacks are substantial.

Trade unions have countless ways to exploit labor contracts, but their methods are more covert, often using the pretext of "considering the interests of the working class," which makes them more acceptable to workers.

With such a large sum of money, the union could potentially gain hundreds of thousands or even millions in profit. They would be unwilling to give up if they didn't fight for it.

Moreover, Lance's actions in challenging the guild cannot be tolerated.

"After I get back, I'll contact the labor federation and ask them to send someone over to assist us. Also, tomorrow you should contact other industry unions and invite them over so we can have a proper talk."

“This is not just a problem for our company, it’s a problem for the entire industry. Once the new city is built, they will need more workers and more jobs. If every job is filled by recruiting from within their labor agencies, it will completely disrupt the employment environment and rules in our state.”

“Those capitalists and conglomerates are already dissatisfied with us. I’m worried they will follow the example of Wanli Group, or simply cooperate with them directly, like Likalai State did.”

The president felt a chill run down his spine at the thought that Likale State had become a "desert" for unions.

If he loses this job, he really doesn't know where he can find another job that reflects his high social status and provides a good income.

He gripped the steering wheel tightly, so tightly that the sheepskin steering wheel cover creaked under his grip.

The next morning, the president got up and made a phone call to the State Labor Federation’s Construction Workers Liaison Office.

The president exchanged a few pleasantries with the supervisor, who also brought up the issue of the new city's construction, since there were too many interests involved, and someone wanted to get involved in every aspect that could be intervened in.

The Federation of Labour's ability to provide a large number of skilled workers with higher wages and easier jobs, while also controlling project progress, is the foundation of the Federation's current strength.

For some companies and factories with high technological barriers, if they have a falling out with the labor union and cannot meet its unreasonable demands, they may face a complete shutdown.

Lance's previous garment factory was established by recruiting some skilled workers through Ms. Debbie.

The supervisor's tone was light and cheerful, "How are your talks with them going?"

"I heard this is a huge project that will require tens of thousands of workers and several years to complete!"

"Egg!"

"It's finally our turn to get rich!"

The supervisor made almost no attempt to hide his deep-seated greed for the profits this project would generate; he and the construction workers' union president had worked together on numerous occasions.

This time, however, things are different from before. "You might be disappointed. We spoke with Lance White yesterday, and he explicitly refused to use the workers we provide and also refused to allow the union to participate."

The supervisor seemed not to understand, "How could he do that?"

"What right does he have to do this?"

"Didn't you warn him that if he didn't cooperate with us, we wouldn't provide him with workers?"

The chairman didn't speak; only the sound of breathing came through the receiver. The supervisor gradually realized what was happening and muttered, "Shit!"

"What are you going to do?"

The chairman was waiting for this very sentence: "I'm considering whether we should organize a march or demonstration, or even a strike?"

“If they reject the union, we can find a reason to say that they are not following industry rules, trying to exploit and oppress workers by bypassing union oversight, and that the entire work is not under our supervision and protection, and that the workers’ interests cannot be guaranteed.”

Use an excuse if you have one, and make one up if you don't. The chairman's statement can't be said to be wrong, but it can't be said to be right either.

It's like that kind of nonsense... "It will rain every day" or similar statements; it all depends on how public opinion is guided and how people understand and interpret it.

Without the intervention of labor unions, there is certainly no way to supervise them, but whether it constitutes exploitation and oppression seems too early to say.

After considering it for a moment, the head of the labor union agreed, saying, "You can give it a try. Let me know if you need my help. We can't let this bad trend spread in our state."

"The tragedy in Likalai State was already shocking enough; there shouldn't be a second one..." The supervisor assured the president that registered members would absolutely not be allowed to apply for positions in Lance.

For some important positions, it is indeed necessary to have qualified and experienced technical workers to perform them.

Calling them workers is not entirely accurate; a more accurate description would be "engineers" or "technical supervisors."

Construction involves more rigorous matters, and it's definitely not feasible to rely solely on low-level laborers.

The chairman received support from the labor federation, and the vice chairman also received support from other industry unions. Just as they said, once the new city is built, it will have huge commercial value.

If Lance doesn't allow the guilds to enter, they will only see huge profits but won't be able to get them, and they won't be content with that.

They also decided to unite and teach this outside company a lesson, to make them understand that this is not Likale.

While these unions were taking action, the workers at the grassroots level were also taking action.

The working class is actually divided into several groups. For example, there is a group of loyal workers who fawn over the unions like lapdogs. They believe the nonsense that the unions and workers are one and are extremely loyal to the unions and labor federations.

There are also groups that are not so enthusiastic about unions. They join unions and pay dues only to ensure that their interests are not harmed during their work.

They have no loyalty to the union, and even dislike it somewhat because joining the union requires paying dues.

If the union arranges work for them, they have to pay at least one dollar to the union each month as a basic membership fee, and then there are some additional fees, probably one to two dollars, such as "referral fee", "medical examination fee" and "security deposit".

These people are relatively clear-headed; they know that their relationship with the union is not one of blood ties, but simply a business transaction.

Another group of people maintained a neutral stance, neither loyal to the union nor particularly averse to it.

They'll take advantage of any bargains they can get, but when there aren't any, they'll just stand by and watch.

With the land already acquired and construction about to begin in the new city, there are still no job postings here. In addition, some people are spreading the news privately, and many people have already started to gather at the labor service company under Wanli Group.

This labor agency was a very novelty for all the workers, because it was completely different from the places where they had been introduced to jobs before.

Moreover, what happened in Likale can be seen as a "disgrace to the unions," and they will not actively publicize it; on the contrary, they will try to suppress the spread of such news.

It's perfectly normal for locals not to know about labor service companies.

"Do I have to pay money too?"

The construction workers looked at each other and were invited to sit down on the sofa by the receptionist after they came in.

The lobby of the labor service company is very large. Lance and Ben had discussed this, and they adopted a layout similar to that of a bank.

Apart from a relatively small front desk for initial reception and guidance, the rest are independent functional areas, divided into small rectangles in a "叵" shape.

After a few construction workers mustered up their courage and came in, they sat somewhat awkwardly on the sofa, holding cheap coffee and talking to the salesperson about registering a labor service company.

"Yes, gentlemen."

"But I need to tell everyone that the biggest difference between us and the union is that you only need to pay a one-dollar registration fee to become a member, and you will not need to pay any fees after that."

“What unions can do, we can do too, and we can do it better.”

"As long as you get a job, we will provide you with the most basic labor protection supplies free of charge, including a pair of anti-smashing boots, a pair of non-slip gloves, a pair of cut-resistant gloves, and a set of relatively durable work clothes."

"These things are free for you to use indefinitely. If they break, you can bring them here to exchange them for new ones, and that's also free."

"In addition, we will cover the insurance costs you need for your work. If an accident occurs at work, we will make advance payments and advance payments, and then we will seek reimbursement from the insurance company."

"Whether we can get it back or not is our business, and it won't affect the compensation you've already received."

"In addition, we will conduct a new assessment of your work performance every now and then, and readjust your rating in the company based on your professional skills. This will help you get a raise and better treatment."

"Here's an introduction for you to take a look at," the "manager" said, handing over a brochure. "By the way, if you decide to register with our company, you'll need to voluntarily relinquish your union membership, if you already have one."

“If you are not a registered union member, then you don’t need to worry about these things.”

The workers looked at each other, and soon their attention was drawn to the brochure. To be honest, what the manager was saying was incredibly tempting!

Those protective equipment may seem cheap, costing only three to five yuan a set, but for construction workers, these items are easily damaged and consumable.

If you're lucky, you might only need to change your clothes every two or three months. If you're unlucky, for example, if you accidentally tear your clothes, you'll have to change to a new one.

Previously, neither the labor unions nor the companies that employed them would provide these things, but here they are provided directly, and they can be replaced for free if they break. This is too tempting!

It may seem like a small amount of money, but if you work long enough hours, you can accumulate 20 or 30 yuan or even more a year.

They saw in the brochure that Wanli Group had already established itself in two states and would soon be expanding into Indenau as well.

They will continue to expand northward in the future, creating more job opportunities.

As long as they are registered with the company, they can apply for jobs that suit them, even if they are from other industries. In addition, the company also has training schools and courses for skills enhancement to help workers who are willing to improve their professional skills.

This was a sophisticated company they had never heard of before. It wasn't even a simple place to introduce jobs; it was a place that would influence all walks of life, and they were aware of that!

Once a person starts subconsciously agreeing with something, it means their stance has changed, even before they realize it.

Several workers began to discuss more loudly, seemingly in a discussion, but in reality, they were reinforcing this idea.

If nothing unexpected happens, the group will make a decision soon!
Of course, they needed to grasp more information now, and they quickly focused their attention on the brochures, while the manager also had time to look up at the workstations around him.

The company here has only been open for less than five days, and now almost every workstation is packed with people, and this is only the beginning.

According to the company manager, within a month at most, this place will become the largest labor market in the entire state, and it will also bring huge economic benefits to managers like them.

For each worker the company signs, they receive a bonus.

As more workers register later, they can form their own teams and proactively seek out job opportunities, earning commissions and bonuses in return.

The thought of a bright future beckoned to him gave the manager even more confidence and motivation!
Standing in his office, looking down at the workers gathering on the street, he was very confident in his job, even more so than the account managers below him.

As a former high-ranking union official, he knew very well what having a powerful backer meant in this world!
He will achieve greater success, higher status, and more wealth than before!
Having lived half his life, he never imagined he would still be as full of energy as he was when he was young!

Perhaps he could talk to William, whom he didn't know, about this issue, because his libido had been unusually strong these past few days, allowing him and his wife to experience a passion they hadn't felt in a while!
Of course, it would be even better if I could get a younger body!
Now, those people who were once his colleagues, the high-ranking members of the industry union, have become stones on his road to happiness. He not only has to remove these stones, but also crush them into pebbles, making them part of the mortar of the Empire State Building!

(End of this chapter)