Chapter 284: Profit Strategy, the List, the Response

“If we can provide some job opportunities right now—even if they’re not what people traditionally expect—it will be a huge boost for both us and those in need of work!”

“People will see we’re making an effort, and we’ll gain more prestige. As for any problems, we can just shift them onto Lynch. We won’t have to bear any responsibility!”

As the union president continued, his thoughts became clearer. He believed this model had no downsides: the labor union would still receive what it deserved, without taking on any extra burdens. People might feel the union had changed, but that would only show it was progressive and adaptive, not stuck in the past.

With that decision made, the rest was easy—how much profit they could get from this business deal.

The labor union was never a charity, though most of the Federation’s working class were deluded into thinking otherwise. Many believed the union existed solely to serve workers selflessly.

They never stopped to ask how the union sustained its massive organization and staff. In the Sabin City union alone, there were around forty employees—a downsized number. Five years ago, it had been two to four times higher.

These staff members drew salaries. No one worked purely for ideals. In fact, unpaid labor was despised in the Baylor Federation—someone working without pay might appear noble, but it made everyone else seem petty and base.

Unless it was court-mandated community service, people always expected something in return—cash, food, anything, but never nothing.

These union employees earned far more than regular workers. Then there were travel costs, cleaning, and other expenses. These weren’t small sums. So, where did the money come from?

Few cared to ask, but that didn’t mean the issue didn’t exist. In fact, it was crucial to the union’s survival.

The money mainly came from three sources. The first: profits from union-run businesses. Local unions had their own factories that made safety equipment—heavy-duty shoes, gloves with steel mesh, etc. Business owners preferred to buy from unions, who also set safety standards and could be difficult if crossed.

The second source was member donations. Initially, union members had to pay monthly dues—two Sol per person. The idea likely came from romanticizing the potential of millions of Federation workers. If each paid two Sol monthly, the labor union would be the largest economic entity in the Federation.

But that idea was too naïve. Because of the dues, many workers refused to join, so the union scrapped monthly payments in favor of a one-time fifteen-Sol joining fee. There were no further charges, but voluntary donations were accepted.

Still, donations were limited, and far less than the third income stream—cooperation with capitalists.

This was a major revenue source. The union solved problems for capitalists, and in gratitude, those capitalists wrote checks.

The union needed money to operate, and Lynch’s proposal conveniently addressed some of their financial issues.

Soon, the labor union announced it was in close talks with socially responsible capitalists to secure ongoing job opportunities for all registered, unemployed union members.

This news quickly gave people hope and reinforced the union’s image.

A single protest had resulted in job offers. Who was more dependable?

No one!

I’m a worker. I love the union!

With this sentiment taking hold, the collaboration was essentially secured. But both sides waited—for the situation to develop further. If people got what they wanted too easily, they wouldn’t appreciate it. Those families had to understand how valuable a job slot was. Only then would they be grateful and work hard to repay the union and Lynch for their generosity.

At the same time, a presidential cabinet document arrived at the governor’s office regarding York State.

Besides adjustments to national policy, it included foreign trade approvals for York.

Due to limited domestic-foreign contact, the cabinet didn’t fully lift restrictions, but loosened them in a controlled way to identify and fix problems.

Lynch’s name appeared on the approved trade list—and not just anywhere, but at the top. The governor was surprised.

Because of his connection to the Sabin City mayor, Lynch and his Interstellar Trading Company were known in the state as dealers in secondhand goods. People knew little else about him.

The governor had once quoted Lynch, who spoke of social responsibility and elevating the Federation’s international standing. It was moderate, inoffensive rhetoric.

But at a presidential event, Lynch had made radical comments. The governor doubted the president—a moderate—would favor someone so aggressive. The president preferred diplomacy, not “economic warfare,” which didn’t align with public sentiment either.

Yet Lynch not only passed approval but topped the list—making him the first approved.

The governor made a call. Soon, Edwin entered his office. The governor gestured at the document.

After reading it twice, Edwin asked, “What’s the issue?”

“The first name—Lynch. Do you know who helped him? Wadrick?”

Edwin understood. “Mr. Wadrick has distanced himself. Lynch only hired Wadrick’s daughter as a date for the event. They didn’t know each other before.”

“But this list was drafted by the new Office of International Strategy. Maybe he has connections there.”

The governor nodded noncommittally. “Truman. That’s the only person I can think of. Why did the president keep him in the palace? What a joke!”

His frustration was directed at Truman, not Lynch. Truman wasn’t a likable figure. Politicians instinctively disliked those with military backgrounds. It was an irrational but widespread bias.

Just as a conservative politician could easily win public favor by campaigning to cut defense spending—some divides were deeply ingrained and hard to explain.

The current president was a moderate in the Progressive Party. Truman represented the radicals. Many found the new office’s personnel choices surprising.

Edwin said nothing, only smiled.

The governor regained composure and glanced back at the list. “Could there be more to this? Even if Truman liked Lynch’s speech, that doesn’t explain putting him first. There must be something we’re missing.”

Anyone who became a chief advisor in the presidential palace wasn’t making decisions on a whim. Lynch must’ve impressed Truman in some way, and Truman then convinced the president. The president had to approve this list too.

That’s why the governor summoned Edwin. While each of the Federation’s seventeen states had autonomy, they all kept close watch on the president’s office when it came to major directions.

As chief of staff, this was Edwin’s job.

He thought for a while but had no leads. “I’ll find time to speak with Lynch. Based on his public remarks, he shouldn’t be difficult to talk to.”

The governor agreed and nodded. “Get to the bottom of it.”

He paused, then handed over another document. “Gephrans will be visiting the Federation soon. In return, the foreign minister is organizing a mid-year delegation to visit Gavlera. Each state can send representatives. Should we participate?”