[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-empire-of-shadows":3,"chapter-empire-of-shadows-empire-of-shadows-chapter-108":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Empire of Shadows",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1432337,1884,"Chapter 115: Helplessness and Humiliation","empire-of-shadows-chapter-108",108,"\u003Cp>Our Discord Server: .gg\u002FPazjBDkTmW\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Federation, union funds mainly come from two sources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One is social donations—like dock capitalists who want to maintain a close relationship with the union. The secret to keeping good relations is donations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this isn’t absolute; some companies feel no need to donate because they already provide jobs and believe they’ve done their part for society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not every company donates monthly. On average, dock capitalists donate about $1,800 to $2,000 per month annually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second income source is union dues from workers. Since dock workers earn relatively low wages, union dues are 2% of the base monthly wage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, a ship cleaner earning $33 per month pays about 66 cents in dues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dues vary by industry and state; some allow more, some impose strict limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generally, normal industries charge 2–3%, while higher-paid industries like automotive might charge 3–5%.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, they have 11 docks, with about 7,000 registered workers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lance holds over 3,000 work cards, plus others who got cards by other means, but these workers aren’t counted as union members since most card owners aren’t dock workers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even those who rent out their cards don’t pay dues anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At 7,000 workers paying 66 cents monthly, the union’s income is about $5,000—a stable sum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds decent, but the union has multiple offices and departments, with a core team of 70+ people—and sometimes hires more temporarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary staff earn $42 per month, already equal to Golden Port’s per capita income.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above them are supervisors, deputy supervisors, and several department heads, plus a president and three vice presidents, whose salaries total over $4,000.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This means after payroll, only about $3,000 remains each month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This doesn’t include daily expenses, work costs, or worker club expenses, leaving a monthly surplus around $1,000.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If fewer worker activities or club days happen, the surplus grows; otherwise, it shrinks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The union knows its income is insufficient due to low dues and undocumented immigrants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The docks now employ about 12,000 workers, over 5,000 of whom are non-union or undocumented—most of these are undocumented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they paid dues, the union would gain $3,000 more monthly. Raising dues from 2% to 3% could add another $5,000 monthly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that’s very difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Scott glanced at the accountant. She was a slightly plump 36-year-old married woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much is left in the account?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Under $3,000.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott frowned. “So little?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recalled, “Wasn’t there over $20,000 in the first-half summary?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where did it go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The accountant’s tone was stiff—she felt questioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t forget the two-month protests. Many were injured, and with work stoppages, lost income. We spent the money helping them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you want, I can bring the ledger. But you’ll need two others to help me carry it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott tapped his forehead. “Sorry, I forgot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The anti-immigrant protests lasted about twenty days, but the chaos stretched over two months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The docks were in turmoil; many injured workers weren’t compensated properly as capitalists refused to acknowledge workplace injury schemes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Social insurance didn’t cover accidental injuries, so injured workers turned to the union for help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though expenses were small, they added up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, no major casualties occurred, but union funds were drained fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keeping $2,000–$3,000 for emergencies was their best effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did they understand why insurance managers refused coverage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some workers faked injuries, breaking fingers to get a $5 payout, then bandaging themselves and moving on. There were many like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott rubbed his temples. “What if the capitalists paid?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked to Vaughn, the vice president who liaised with capitalists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vaughn shook his head. “With over 7,000 workers spread across many companies, we can’t persuade them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’d take at least $10,000. Do you think they’d pay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott’s head ached. “It’s all that damn… Lance’s fault.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you confronted him about the complaints?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vaughn nodded. “I was going to discuss it with you separately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott looked at him, then dropped the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll talk later.” Turning to others, he said, “Think about solutions, or contact the dock capitalists.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See if they’d chip in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After workers got uniforms, they look better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some managers smiled faintly then sobered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking better won’t make capitalists pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott seemed to realize this, waving irritably. “Meeting adjourned. Vaughn, come to my office.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once inside, Vaughn mentioned the $20.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott was surprised. “Given by Lance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vaughn rolled his eyes. “I thought I told you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott rested on the chair armrests. “That’s tricky. I heard he also donated $300.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vaughn nodded. “That’s kept in a separate account.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lance said it was for those in need—not the union—so it’s not part of union funds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one but the leadership and a few vice presidents knew about this $300 separate fund, not even the accountant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this money plus the $20 nutrition subsidy, Scott found it hard to stay impartial regarding Lance and his company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Resolved the complaints?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vaughn nodded. “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott patted the armrest. “If it can’t be pushed further, forget it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt sorry. City unions were the lowest tier. Above them were “State Dock Workers Union,” “Federal Dock Workers Union,” and “International Dock Workers Union.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The international union was mostly symbolic with few supportive countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Federal Dock Workers Union had real power—it controlled dock work across the Federation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Scott got upper-level approval, he could call a major strike in Golden Port City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Federal Dock Workers Union president could organize a nationwide dock workers’ strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scott was just over fifty and wanted to climb higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many wanted the same—there were many port cities in the Federation—but he had an edge because this was Golden Port City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, to succeed, he needed real influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this matter went well, it might be an opportunity. But so far, no clue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew capitalists wouldn’t fund new uniforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no law supporting the union forcing capitalists to pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only try to persuade—not coerce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t risk a strike over this unless he wanted to be investigated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strikes were powerful weapons but had to be timed carefully. Otherwise, they were criminal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Scott contemplated his rise, Vaughn felt he’d done well by Lance’s donations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, dock workers talked about the new uniforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you hear about it?” one, tightening bolts, asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A younger man nodded. “Yeah, the agency that issues work cards is giving them, not the company or dock.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agency? Is the owner a philanthropist?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s ask if we can join!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Free uniforms plus gloves would cost about $1.50 retail, but now given free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They heard if they wore them out, they could trade them for new ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why do some heavy laborers work nearly naked?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a joke—many industrial workers wore just shorts or sometimes worked bare-bottomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One reason is workshops were hot with steam and heat, quickly soaking clothes with sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and another reason is frequent wear-and-tear. Especially on the docks or chemical-exposed areas, workers often replaced clothes every two to three months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the rich, a dollar was nothing—not even enough for a bar drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the working class, saving a dollar mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interestingly, Federation workers would spend 40 cents on a drink but balk at buying even used clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their spending habits were strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a worker in uniform returning from the restroom was startled by a “Hey!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked around and saw the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to leave. Dock locals often bullied them—pushing, punching, humiliating, even forcing them to crawl like dogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never overestimate people’s morals. Never underestimate their cruelty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The worker, named Jamie, hesitated. His fingertips pressed to his chest. “Me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strong worker nodded. “Yeah, you. What’s your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jamie.” He stood stiff, dread rising. He cursed himself for choosing that restroom instead of the shore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swore never to do that again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hope I don’t get screwed this time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Johnny, the strong one, beckoned. “Hey Jamie, come here. Got something to ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His crew was bulky and carried wrenches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jamie, undocumented and vulnerable, didn’t dare resist. He walked over with his head down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Johnny touched Jamie’s uniform, surprised. “Good quality—like canvas, like denim. Should be tough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others joined, feeling the fabric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe not comfy, but practical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Toughness meant abrasion and corrosion resistance—and fewer injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the docks, injuries were common—being hit, scraped, or pulled—often causing bleeding wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such uniforms clearly offered more protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They gawked, rummaging pockets, stealing three five-cent coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jamie looked saddened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He earned just $16 a month—barely enough to live—and now robbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though small money, it was his lunch and dinner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, he might starve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can I go?” he sighed, giving in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an undocumented immigrant, calling police meant more trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His loss would be greater than theirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And calling police was pointless—their fuel for responding probably cost more than 15 cents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Johnny cursed, pocketed the coins, then said something unbelievable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take off your clothes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jamie looked confused. “Sorry…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I said, take off your clothes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jamie shook his head. “Johnny, this is…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A punch smashed into his face, sending him staggering and falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Johnny’s crew laughed like school bullies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the third and last time. Don’t make me have everyone watch you run around the dock naked.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now take off your clothes.” His face was grim, menacing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jamie acted deaf until someone approached and tried to undo his buttons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flailed, “I’ll fight you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The big men surrounded him, kicking until he couldn’t resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they stripped him, happily walking away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite many kicks, the uniform was intact—good quality indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three or four minutes later, Jamie’s friends, worried he hadn’t returned, came to find him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By a mooring post, they found Jamie wiping tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jamie, what happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The concern broke him. Years of unfairness, discrimination, injury, and humiliation exploded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cried loudly, recounting everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His friends clenched fists, burning with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon one grew resigned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Getting bullied by local dockworkers was common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It always had been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blocked and forced to empty pockets or humiliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had become routine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They helped Jamie, bruised and wearing only underwear, back to their core area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many came over, concerned, then grew angry or helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one talked revenge or solutions. Most thought, “Not worth it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not the first time. Why bother?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But some refused to accept that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This can’t just end like this!” someone said through gritted teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>",1699,"2026-06-06T01:02:09.488Z",1,"novelbin.me","ca1acfb13db268988759d00a4772be163612aadcb5f21ef6cb3d7faf5c2a316c","empire-of-shadows-chapter-109","empire-of-shadows-chapter-107",646,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fempire-of-shadows-cover.jpg"]