PRIVATE - Meeting with strike leaders in Isabella

[Josephus I]

Meeting with strike leaders in Isabella

In a hotel conference room in Isabella, Josephus arranges to talk with the leaders of the strike.

Good morning friends, workers, comrades.

A few weeks ago at an ECL meeting I told the ECL reps that the ECL would take up your cause if you brought them to me and ended your job action. Unfortunately you have not seen to take that course of action.

I find that personally disappointing.

However I have good news.

The president has informed me that he is willing to discuss giving up some political autonomy. This will not be an easy road, but we are willing to make a start.

We are looking for some good faith from you first.

Here's the deal: Call off the strike and we will immediately begin discussions that may lead to a degree of autonomy for you.

Josephus

 

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The ministerial car of Per Chamberlain-Beaulieu, MHES, pulls up at the hotel. Escorted by a single PA, a veritable Lady Macbeth to be sure, he strides into the conference hall calmly, a wan smile plastered on his youthful lips.

He calls out in his dulcit baritone, "Minister Locke, strike leaders, you weren't going to start without the Minister for Labour, I trust?"

With a partial flicker of his lips, he seats himself with further exactitude on the seat reserved for the MHES, his secretary falling in beside him.

"Latin representatives, call off your action. You're not causing as much hurt, hardship and harm to us as you are to yourselves. Myself and the MECT have a bumper package of priveleges for you to unlock, if only you make the first move and tell your people to return to work.

However, there is one thing above all others that you must keep in mind. I will not give way on the matter of Judge Anton. He is a matter for the courts, and we as politicians will not infringe upon the legal process."

 

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There is some chuckling and some off-color remarks made behind the back of the ESRP leader after his remarks.

One of the leaders steps up (while the MHES is still making his way into the room).

"Yeah, hermano, the ECL is REAL effective. That's why we've gotten such a great deal all these years, right? That's why they haven't rolled back our benefits? That's why people like your buddy von Streusser are getting rich while our coal miners, lumberjacks, fishermen and the rest of us suffer? Give me a break! With all due respect, you're not bringing a lot to the table."

General mumbling and grumbling of agreement rise in answer to this.

"And if you're such a labor-expert, why do wehave to bring our issues to you? Are you to good to read the paper? We've only been telling them to every report we can find for weeks now. Are you too good to read the newspapers? It's not as if you are Latino, and have to learn to read the English newspapers, we put in the NEWSLINK in plain English for you."

More grumbling of agreement follows. The leaders turns back to his men as the MHES approaches.

"Do you see, amigos? Do you see the face of the labor movement? This is why we must leave the ECL! This is an example of their effectiveness! Does he bother to find out our issus? No! Shouldn't he already be aware of them, if he is, indeed, the voice of labor? One would think! What does he offer us, the chance to meet with the government? Look over his shoulder, the government comes on their own! Let us take our case directly to them. Time to stop playing politics and diluting our demands and our messages."

- "But Carlos," says an older voice from the back, "the ESRP has long championed our issues when no one else would listen. It is disrespectful to talk so!"

(Amid some boos and hisses) "Let them earn their respect! Perhaps they helped keep my grandfather fed, but my children are hungry now. We cannot keep our families fed on memories of past deeds and glory!

Some in the crowd cheer these, while others mutter with caution.

"Senor Josephus, we shall NOT call off the strike for simply the promise of negotiations! That is blasphemous and an afront to ANYONE associated with the labor movement. I cannot believe you fail to understand the purpose of the strike. The ONLY leverage we have is our labor, our work. And we shall not surrender that leverage for more talk and more failed promises. The strike ends when we have a deal, only then.

Ah, I see our new MHES has arrived. Perhaps he will not be so quick to replace striking workers? Another fine victory for the ECL, per Josephus, it's effectiveness in preventing the marginalization of our hospital workers. Let us see what he has to offer us....

Per Minister! Welcome to Isabella!"

The labor leader and his men all crowd around, giving their attention to the MHES, they look skeptical but are quiet and ready to listen.

 

[Josephus I]

Josephus appears to be bitter and angry

You guys have some f**king nerve. Why should I read newslink? It's full of crap anyways, that publsihes things on the vaguest of rumours and innuendos.I refuse to believe anything it prints.

No, it makes perfect sense that if YOU have f**king labour issues you bring them to the ECL. The ECL doesn't dig around trying to figure out what you're f**king thinking.

But let's leave the ECL issues out of this meeting.

I'll let MHES speak on this more if he likes. I will tell you this. President Glasser has a lot to offer you. All he asks is you return to work. He has told me some of the things he's going to bargain with, which includes giving you a form of sovereignty . I think it's a great deal you're about to get.

Josephus

 

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The MHES rises swiftly from his seat.

"I would greatly appreciate it if the leader of the so-called 'voice of the people', Minister Sergei, would act in a more considerate manner towards those he strives to represent.

Sir, I really don't think you should be taking part in this conference if you've come in with this kind of attitude.

And strike leaders. I must press on you the importance of calling off the strike as soon as possible. However, if you feel you are without a full hand of cards without it, I understand that it must continue; if only until we have agreed upon the matters concerned.”

His PA hands him a Manila paper folder.

"Here is my proposal.

Gentlepers, I think that you will agree that at present the regions most associated with Latin culture and lifestyle are Nouvelle Anjou, Nouvelle Aquitaine, Saint-Espirit, Isabela, and Nueva Rioja. It is also clear that you strikers wish for greater autonomy from central government in general.

I am willing to offer this.

I propose that a regional government be set up for the Latin-dominated regions. Elected by the people of these regions, for the people of these regions, this council would have autonomy over several key areas.

First of all policing. I believe that law enforcement would be immensely more effective if it is conducted on a far more local level. We can have Anglos policing Anglos, Latinos policing Latinos. Despite clamours to the contrary by certain politicos, I, as an Anglo, don’t know every cadence, every aspect of your culture as well as any Latin colleague of yours. So, I know you agree, it would be absurd for me to come into your neighbourhoods and keep you in order.

All funds for this would come from central government. Despite this massive concession, the MILE would maintain key dominance in areas of national security, involving nation-wide investigations, and terrorism etc. I'm sure you understand the importance of this.

Secondly, education. We all want our children to receive the education that we see as best for them. Thus, the council would dictate what the children within the region would learn. However, I must stress the importance of a continued learning of English. It is the language that binds us - and it is truely an international and beneficial language for the nation.

All money for such education would continue to come from central government. Only, you would choose how to spend it.

Thirdly, agriculture. I want you to have control of how large the subsidies you pay your farmers.

Additional to all this, I propose that this council be given small control over income tax. You would be allowed to adjust the rate by 1 or 2%.

This package could be extremely beneficial to your people, strike leaders. I am willing to discuss the details at length, but please, I must press on you. This strike has to end.

Our nation cannot last long at this rate.

 

[Josephus I]

Per MHES, I apologize for my outburst. I've been under a lot of stress lately. Perhaps you're right...you're doing a fine job here, no need for me to stick around. Besides, I've got another appointment...gotta run.


Josephus

 

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There is a smattering of rude laughter as Josephus leaves, and a few disapproving looks at those laughing, but those seem to be the in the minority

Carlos Marcos, the leaders of the meeting responds to the MHES:

"Per Minister,

We thank you for your proposal, and for respecting the nature of our strike. We must continue until we have an agreement, but, as a sign of good faith, we shall ask all workers to return to work for 2 days out of each week while negotiations continue. I hope that shows our commitment toward these negotiations and finding an acceptable solution.

Some of the labor leaders will grumble about this, but I feel you are approaching these seriously, and not giving us the lip-service we have received by the government in the past. You seem to be willing to give serious address to our issues, so we will push strongly for the 2 days-a-week return.

We are very receptive to your offer of greater autonomy. It is not quite as we envisioned it, but this does not mean it is unacceptable.

Your proposals concerning the establishment of a regional government and for education and law enforcement reform are refreshing, and I believe these will be met with favor from our different coalition members.

In terms of agriculture, please allow us to clarify. We do not seek to alter subsidization strategies. Rather we seek greater control over crop pricing, regulations on growing seasons, quotas, etc. We think these should be set by local growers and workers, who can best understand what these business regulations will do to the local economies and the workers here. For example, the destruction of the entire national papaya crop by the federal government, when on a few tainted groves existed caused our farmers grat losses from which many have yet to recover.

This is the type of autonomy we are seeking in agriculture and what we would proposed to you as a consideration.

And, with all due respect, Per Minister, I must inquire, what of Judge Anton? He is an old man and his arrest seems, to most of us, purely political. The president and the MILE, they seem to have a personal ax to grind, at the expense of this man. Many of us may not agree with his rulings - in fact many of us are shocked by what happened to poor Gonzaga - but his detention on trumped up charges seems like the actions of a police-state, not a democracy? Can he not, at least, be released on bail before his trial? He walks with a cane, is he truly a flight-risk?

I think I can speak for all of us when I say we greatly appreciate the proposals you have offered, and I hope that you will take with equal appreciation our suggestions for constructive changes, especially in the area of agriculture.

We will take your proposal and circulate it among our leaders and can return here to continue discussions. Will you consider the questions of Anton and of agriculture?

We will request workers return to work on a two-day a week basis, while we continue these talks, and will be return to continue these negotiations soon, once we have concluded our business today.

Your thoughts?""

Around him, all the labor leaders nod approvingly, they all seem genuinely interested in this proposal and await what the minister will say.

 

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The Minister fixes Per Marcos with an amenable stare as he listens to his address. At the news of even a partial relief to the strike he smiles tenderly.

Sir, I cannot say how pleased I am that you are willing, even partially, to end these damaging actions.

And I'm extremely happy about your pleasure at the majority of the proposals I put to you. In regards to agriculture, I understand fully what you wish.

As the Latin regions do rely rather largely on agricultural activities, I also realise the issue's importance to you. I, gentlepers, am a great believer in liberal economics. I don't want Government to interfere in private business enterprise, interfere in those things that they don't know enough about. I want the people, the people who know what is best for themselves, to do what they think is right. So, yes, I think it entirely acceptable that central Government does not infringe upon the freedoms of the local citizen. However in terms of disease, I'm thinking in particular of conditions such as Foot-and-Mouth, and BSE, I truly believe that it would be far more effective for such issues to be dealt with at a central level.

As for Judge Anton. I'm afraid I cannot let him be unconditionally pardonned. I cannot allow for his complete release, for I'm afraid he is a matter for the courts to decide. But I think it perfectly acceptable that he be allowed bail, and will try and push for this with the President.

I hope that you can see the reasons why I have disagreed with certain aspects.

He flashes a smile, running a hand through the hair across his fore-head.

 

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Secondly, education. We all want our children to receive the education that we see as best for them. Thus, the council would dictate what the children within the region would learn. However, I must stress the importance of a continued learning of English. It is the language that binds us - and it is truely an international and beneficial language for the nation.

All money for such education would continue to come from central government. Only, you would choose how to spend it.

One of the MHES aides surreptitiously hands the Minister a note outlining the areas currently under the control of Latin provincial assembies, which already include education (except post-secondary education), and explaining the funding scheme currently in place, which likewise relies on transfers from the central government.

 

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The MHES bites firmly into his lip as his eyes hypnotically dart over the note. He cringes as the sharply metallic taste of blood floats across his tongue.

Raising his eyes, he hisses a quick aside to his PA, giving instructions to be reminded to slip any corrections into the finished document. Only thinking of saving face.

 

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"Then we shall each take this proposal to our constituencies, and reconvene again soon, to announce whether it has been officially accepted by both parties?" Marcos asks.

"Please let us know when we might expect to hear back whether the government has accepted these terms, and we will make sure to have the collective opinion of all of our leaders by then."

 

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I shall present it to the cabinet at the earliest moment, gentlepers.

I am truly pleased that we have been able to deal with this conflict so efficiently.

 

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-"Hola? Senor Beaulieu? We have returned. Have you come back yet.....?

-- "Carlos! Don't you read the papers? Senor Beaulieu has resigned!"

-"Madre de Dios! Que Lastima!"

The leaders of the strike shake their heads sadly then one of them posits:

"Well, if this is the end of negotiations, I guess we better call off the 2-days-work-week and go back to a full strike...."

 

[Josephus I]

Josephus walks in....slightly irritated

Evening. Remember me?

Well as you know MHES has resigned....seems to happen a lot in Eutopia these days.....

...well, although the cabinet isn't too thrilled with your decision to continue your strike, the president is still willing to negotiate.

So, until I'm replaced, you have me.


Josephus

 

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There is some general grumbling. Many people talk at once.


"So, the cabinet does not take our offer to return to work for 2 days out of the week as significant, eh? Once again they show what they think of labor!"

- "Did they withdrawl Senor Cremebrule's proposal as well?"

"I believe that's Beaulieu?"

-- "Our people have accepted the agreement? Is the government rescinding their offer?"

- "Are you sure? I thought it was somehow dessert related?"

"Tell us, what news, other than the government's disdain, do you bring?"

 

[Josephus I]

Pers, the government is offering you a great deal. We're prepared to approach the national assembly with a bill that provides the provinces with a lot more control over their affairs.

As a friend, I suggest we shake hands on this and I humbly ask you to return to work. You are not making friends with the rightists in government and it won't help your cause in the National Assembly.

Friends, your walkout has been succesful. You've convinced the government that it needs to act in this matter.

Now, the president is willing to agree with you on your agricultural demands. In addition, as has been mentioned, provinces will have control over local law enforcement and taxing authourity.

The only thing that's causing us some disagreement is Judge Anton, who is currently on trial. Friends, don't let Anton throw a wrench in the works here. He is not worth losing all this for. He is no friend of the people.

I hope we can all agree here today.

 

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"Judge Anton is not, how do you say, a deal-breaker. We maintain that this is a political arrest and the more militant among us would like nothing more than to protest until his release. However if you can simply assure us that he will be treated with dignity and fairly tried, I think we can appease our majority," says Marcos, cutting throught he chatter of the rest of them. They fall in line and defer to him as he continues negotiations.

"If they government has accepted the former MHES's proposal with our suggested addendums in regards to agriculture then we have the basis of an agreement. I again hope that you understand that we cannot break our strike until such an agreement is signed, but our labor councils have all agreed to what had been proposed. If all that is needed is a signing ceremony then we can put all of this behind us and return to work," he explains.

"Now, as mentioned, we have been willing to return to work 2 days out of the week as a show of good faith. If you can assure us that there is in fact government agreement with what has been previously discussed, then we will return to work four days of the week, sitting out only on Fridays, until an agreement is signed. At the signing, we shall end our strike and return to work for a full work-week. Surely that is reasonable, returning to 80% of lost man hours, even before an agreement is signed? Is this not evidence enough of our willingness to reach an agreement? Please, let us know that this is acceptable and when, if, a signing ceremony can be arranged."

He pauses momentarily, thinks about his words, then continues.

"You must understand, Josephus. The government has made deals in the past, through the executive branch, only to seem them killed by the National Assembly. Many of us know of someone held by the Eco-Fascists, who made ready to welcome them home when an accord was reached with MILE Jacob Lundgren, but the Assembly killed the agreement and who know what has happened to those hostages? This is why we are so insistent on a signed agreement before we give in all of chips. Does that not make sense?"

 

[Josephus I]

Very well. You do know that what you are asking for must be approved by the National Assembly? We can offer you the world but ultimately a decision of this nature rests on Assembly approval.

This may take a while. Can your workers continue to work those hours until such a time?

I think as a gesture of good faith, and for the good of the workers, you begin your 4-day work week now. In return, I will show you this .

Pulls out a document. I can't let you keep it or make copies. But this is the legislation currently being debated in Cabinet with the idea of putting it up for Assembly approval. I'm sure it's to your approval?

Josephus

 

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"We know that quite well. Which is why we are not going to completely end the strike until the Assembly acts. The president and his cabinet may be the most noble men in the world, but their words cannot bind the assembly and they, too must know that we mean business and won't be dismissed like those Eco-Whackos. It is nothing against the President, rather it is our only leverage over the Assembly.

The legislation you propose does meet our approval, and we shall order a return to work on the basis of a four-day work-week. Once the Assembly enacts these reforms, the strike shall be ended and we shall return to a full work week.

We shall take our lobbying efforts to the members of the National Assembly. Should you need to meet again, we can arrange addititional meetings at this hall."

- Carlos Marcos