Chapter 383: 384. Chapter 379: Inequality and Aftermath

384. Chapter 379: Inequality and Aftermath

New Jincheng also has an office for the Labor Union, but it is not very large in scale.

In a city like New Jincheng, which relies primarily on freight, the docks, and tourism for its profits, there is almost no heavy industry; the industrial sector is basically dominated by light industry.

The core strength of the Labor Union lies in skilled workers in heavy industry. Although skilled workers in light industry are also important, their influence in society, and the "destructive power" and "deterrence" they have created, are still inferior to those in heavy industry.

Therefore, the Labor Union office here is not very large, to the point that when Lans arrived, the conference room felt slightly crowded.

When Debbie saw Lans, she took the initiative to stop her conversation with others, walked over, and shook hands with him.

His stock has been rising, so Debbie is also willing to deepen her connection with him; who knows when she might need Lans's help.

When others saw Lans, most of the locals took the initiative to greet him.

The General Representative of the Labor Union also walked over, and Debbie took the initiative to handle the introductions: "This is one of our Labor Union's General Representatives..."

In fact, the term "General Representative" is not entirely accurate; the precise term should be "Representative Elected by All Industry Representatives of the Labor Union."

Here, "all industries" is simplified to "General," and then the "elected representative" part is retained.

He is a representative chosen by the Labor Union representatives, so he is called the General Representative.

There are quite a few people with such titles in the Labor Union; it is not a particularly rare role, but his status is indeed not low.

At the very least, he can represent all the skilled workers in the industry he is currently engaged in.

Like the former President Woen and President Sikaote, despite being from the working class and having transitioned from worker to his current position in just a few years, the aura of a worker about him has completely vanished.

He wears a very appropriate formal suit, his fingernails are cleaned perfectly, and when he raises his hand, the naturally sliding cuff reveals a gold watch hidden beneath the sleeve.

The smile on his face is full of confidence, even carrying a hint of arrogance.

In fact, it is not just him; almost everyone in this room is like this.

They come from the working class and represent the working class, but they are also the least like the working class!

"Just call me Peidun." Peidun directly interrupted Debbie's introductions and shook hands with Lans. "The Lans-White Rating Method has been proven by our analysis to be very effective, simple, and scientific."

"Moreover, this has helped us win more reasonable benefits from the capitalists, and you have played a key role in this!"

Previously, "skilled worker" was just a general term; no one knew exactly how "skilled" this "skill" was.

But with the implementation of the Lans-White Rating Method, they have now divided workers into nine levels.

Levels one to two are ordinary workers, level three and above are skilled workers, continuing up to level nine.

Previously, capitalists only needed to pay a level-nine skilled worker the wage of a level-three worker to hire them.

Of course, capitalists might pay a little more, but this was something without any standard or reference; they gave whatever they were willing to give.

But now it is different.

The Labor Union began to propose some standard wage requirements: the wage for a level-three skilled worker must be at least 120% of a level-two wage, and then increase level by level, with the proportion of the increase growing larger.

For instance, those above level seven basically get double the wage of a level-two worker, and a level-three skilled worker gets more than triple the wage.

This rating method and salary structure received support from all Labor Union members as soon as they were introduced, and industry unions also began to fully support this rating system.

Workers support it because these skilled workers in the Labor Union can obtain more benefits from it, getting 20% to 30% more in wages than before.

Those who get more might even see their wages double!

Industry unions support these because they represent the workers' interests themselves, and such obvious contradictions that need reconciliation also make the existence of unions more important.

This is a long and drawn-out process; it is not as if the capitalists will admit it just because they are willing to rate and count them.

Therefore, political power is needed to push this matter, and what could be more suitable than a strike or even a general strike?

As for Lans, he wouldn't say he likes or dislikes it, but the suggestion Lans provided is truly good!

Lans smiled reservedly and shook his hand. "I don't know what this has to do with the capitalists; I just wanted the workers to have a clear comparison so they know how capable they really are."

Peidun laughed heartily. "In any case, you have offered a very constructive opinion!"

He paused for a moment, then looked at the local Labor Union President. "Are all the people here?"

The local President looked around and nodded. "Just about everyone is here."

Peidun walked back to his seat and sat down. "Good, since everyone is here, we can talk about these matters."

"Honestly, when I heard about this, I was very shocked. What time is it, and yet there are still people so cruelly exploiting our worker brothers?"

"Even using violent means and threats of dismissal to force our worker brothers to obey their demands?"

"Not just me, all the representatives are very furious; they have seriously hurt our feelings and also hurt our interests."

"I believe this matter is not yet at the time to end. Not only that, we need to continue to expand the scope, let more worker brothers know about these things, and let them support us."

"Only when more worker brothers begin to speak out and let the capitalists realize that we are a solid block can our interests be guaranteed!"

Immediately following this, he uttered a very famous sentence, and even Lans, who had been somewhat indifferent, couldn't help but sit up straight: "Although slavery has been abolished and the slaves have been liberated, the slave owners are still here!"

Look, this is the gap between politicians and workers. The workers working on the docks couldn't say such high-level things, nor did they know these high-level things, but this worker representative Peidun could say it.

For some reason, Lans, sitting in the back row, looked at the entire venue and suddenly had the feeling of overlooking a "small Congress," which was quite comical.

Woen was sitting next to Lans. He turned his head to look at Lans, his eyes filled with shock and also some inquiry.

Lans shook his head slightly, signaling him not to speak.

There were ears all around; it would be heard by others.

This small meeting actually didn't last too long. To summarize, it was just one thing—continue to expand the contradictions and escalate the conflict!

Not only does the Labor Union intend to get involved in this matter, but other industry unions also intend to follow suit. Now that things are getting fiercer here, various industry unions will provide support and conduct solidarity strikes.

Then, the initiative for negotiations will be transferred from the New Jincheng dock workers to the Labor Union General Association, and the Labor Union will go to negotiate with the federal government, various local governments, and the capitalists.

To resolve the strike and make them accept the wage grading system.

Workers are not pure fools either; if there were no reason and they were asked to strike for no reason, they wouldn't be willing to do it.

But as long as there is a suitable reason, it can incite some industry unions that already have demands but haven't been satisfied. The great unity of the working class was achieved all at once!

After the meeting adjourned, Lans left directly, saying he had things to do. Woen also left with Lans. This matter still needs time to operate, so they didn't pay too much attention to it.

From the perspective of Peidun or other representatives of the General Union, Lans and Woen must be standing with them.

"There is a saying in my hometown called 'idiots'; that is exactly what they are." Lans gave Woen a cigarette and lit one for himself. He really couldn't help it and said this word.

"Idiots?" For some reason, even though Lans didn't explain the meaning of the word, Woen knew that this description was definitely not anything good.

Lans explained softly, and Woen couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Very vivid!"

But after laughing, there were still some things that needed to be faced.

"They intend to use us to help them complete their ideas. I don't like this; it has no benefit for us, and instead, it will put us at the very front."

He raised his left hand and made a gesture of holding something, "They take the benefits...", then he stretched out his right hand and made the same gesture, "We suffer the losses!", and repeatedly lowered and raised them, just like a scale going up and down.

Woen could understand what he meant. "We ditch them?"

Lans touched the business card in his pocket. "At the very least, we can't follow them!"

"Remember, don't promise anything first!"

After he sent Woen away, he returned to the company.

Now the family is still constantly recruiting people. As large swaths of territory in the port area are brought into the fold, the family also needs more manpower to deal with the situations in various districts.

This also makes the company side appear exceptionally lively. Many people heard that the Lans family is recruiting more people again and all want to come and try.

Those old men in Bodun's gang have indeed earned a lot of money from Lans, and honestly, although there is some risk, at least Lans really pays, and pays a lot.

For many young people, compared to letting them go to a factory to work for a lifetime without a future, it is better to join the Lans family. There is money, face, and actual economic income.

This is actually a very terrible era. If it were really as beautiful and modern as people, posters, and magazines say, then this kind of thing wouldn't happen!

Just after getting off the car, Aierwen walked out. "Aierbeituo is here; it seems like there is some big thing."

Lans nodded and got out of the car. He handed his clothes and hat to the girl at the door, Kelinda.

Today is a very formal occasion; even the Senator is wearing a full set of clothes, and he has to wear them too, otherwise, it is not only a lack of respect for others but also a lack of respect for himself.

At the office door, he saw Fudisi, who was smoking a sullen cigarette.

The two bumped fists. "What's wrong?"

"Baoluo is dead."

Lans looked stunned. "Did the Kasiya family do it?"

Fudisi seemed to have something to say but hesitated, and finally could only lower his voice. "It was Duofu."

Lans looked at him, feeling like he was telling a story, but his expression gradually became serious. "When did this happen?"

"It's been two days."

Lans nodded, sighed, and pushed the door to enter.

Aierbeituo looked a bit haggard. When he saw Lans, he couldn't help but curse, "That son of a bitch actually treated Baoluo like that; I should have slaughtered him early on!"

"I want to peel his skin off and make it into a drum, and beat it for Baoluo to hear every day!"

Lans walked to his side and patted his shoulder. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"He ran away!", Aierbeituo cursed non-stop. "Someone told me he ran back to Sumuli Island!"

Lans sat beside him. "This is a good thing; at least he didn't become the new family head."

Aierbeituo sneered. "Just based on him?"

He didn't shake his head; he tossed his head. "Unless the people of the Pasiletuo family are almost completely wiped out, it would be his turn; otherwise, it would never be his turn!"

"So he ran away early!"

The inheritance of the Pasiletuo family has rules; not just anyone can become the family head. After Baoluo died, even Muler didn't have the qualifications to become the family head, although he also died.

The only ones who can inherit the position of family head are his sons. If his sons are also dead, the kind that are wiped out, then his wife will temporarily act as the family head, but she will not really exercise the responsibilities of the family head; it is just a symbol.

Then the remaining people of the Pasiletuo family, for example, Baoluo's cousins, these people will have a competition.

The four people who get the most support from family members go to hunt down Duofu.

Whoever kills Duofu is the next family head.

So it would never be Duofu's turn.

Before, he felt it could be his turn because the militia would enter the city, but now the militia is not entering the city, and he has no way to make the people of the Pasiletuo family acknowledge him, let alone let him inherit the position of family head; he can only run, run back to Sumuli.

Baoluo's refusal to be recruited by any of the four major families on the island has already angered the four major families. To them, protecting Duofu is equivalent to fiercely slapping the Pasiletuo family in the face.

At the same time, it can also warn those outside who are unwilling to return; this is the end.

Although it is not led by them.

But it can always scare some timid ones.

Hearing this, Lans didn't know how to comfort him. "Is there anything I can do?"

Aierbeituo nodded. "Yes." He turned to look at Lans. "Xisike will inherit his father's position, but he is young, and in the family, he is a bit... you know, those people are either his grandfather or his uncle, or aunt or something; he might not be able to suppress these people."

"Plus... the current battle, his grandfathers and uncles have stronger strength in their hands than him; he needs me, and I need you!"

Fulangxisikeo Pasiletuo is Baoluo's eldest son, even younger than Lans.

Baoluo married very late and had children very late; Fulangxisikeo is only seventeen years old this year.

However, he also has an older brother, but that older brother is an illegitimate child, a child born to Baoluo and a dancer.

At that time, Baoluo was still very young and couldn't resist these temptations, leaving behind seeds.

However, fortunately, this illegitimate child does not have the right to inherit. According to the customs of the Sumuli people, he can become a family member but cannot become a leader.

However, Aierbeituo is not very reassured either; who knows if these grandfathers and uncles of Fulangxisikeo will eventually become insane.

"I owe Baoluo a lot of favors in this life, and I can't pay them back!"

"Now that he is dead and left nothing behind, the only thing I can do is help him watch over Xisike, let him grow up, and take over the power of the Pasiletuo family."

"There are not many people who can help me; you are one, and the most important one; you have to help me, Lans!"

"Help me this once, and you won't owe me anything!"

Lans gave him a punch, not painful. "We are brothers; don't talk to me about owing or not owing."

"From the beginning, you didn't owe me anything, but you have been helping me; do you look down on me, thinking that I would only help you because 'I don't owe you'?"

Looking at Lans's somewhat angry eyes, Aierbeituo's mood improved slightly. "Come on!", he moved forward, hugged Lans, and patted his back fiercely twice.

"I will call you when the time comes!"

Lans nodded. "Anytime, anywhere!"

Aierbeituo didn't stay long; he had to go back as soon as possible to help Fulangxisikeo deal with those grandfathers, uncles, and aunts who might already have other ideas.

Fudisi also greeted Lans again before leaving; he was also very grateful for Lans's contribution.

After both of them left, Aierwen came in. "What's wrong?"

He didn't know what had happened.

Lans told him about the matter, and he also felt it was incredible. "How could this happen?"

Lans shrugged. "He didn't elaborate, but it happened. Now the only good news is that the Mayor's plan is ruined, and next is our time."

"Recruit more people this time; where is Ma Duoer?"

"I'll go call him."

Soon Ma Duoer came over. "You looking for me?"

Lans let him sit down. "We need more veterans; as long as they are reliable, I can afford to support them."

Ma Duoer considered it and nodded. "I will ask around; how many people do you want?"

Lans glanced at Aierwen. "About three to five hundred people."

"So many?", Ma Duoer widened his eyes. "Are you planning to attack New Jincheng?"

Lans laughed twice. "Very funny." He paused. "We now have two largest territories; although they are also the poorest, we need this many people."

"The Mayor is ruined; those people he brought will soon be cleared out, and then the Kasiya family will also be cleared out, and the Starlight District will be vacated."

"Baoluo gave me a bar before, and I have to protect the safety of my bar, which requires manpower."

Aierwen listened to Lans's ideas and sighed softly. "The era has changed; the era of the five major families is about to end."

Lans nodded. "No one can rule for long; one era is crushed by another era."

"Eventually, these fragments constitute history; we are creating history, brothers!" ===== CHAPTER 384 =====