America 1919
Chapter 1135 - 388, there are always people who overestimate their abilities

Chapter 1135: 388, there are always people who overestimate their abilities

Rudwell Wells is fortunate.

Because just as he was pondering over what issues required Donnie’s help, an incident erupted in the Cadillac industrial park that Rudwell Wells couldn’t resolve at the moment.

The Cadillac union organized a strike!

Donnie’s own company does not permit the establishment of unions, but Cadillac is different; it established a union several years ago.

Now, even before Donnie set his sights on them, they had already jumped out to cause trouble.

Donnie stood by the window in Rudwell Wells’ office and saw thousands of workers sitting downstairs, protesting and demonstrating.

"Their protest, although it seems unrelated to your demands, Mr. Boss, suddenly arising at this time, surely indicates a problem!"

Rudwell Wells stood beside Donnie, saying with a grim expression.

Although this matter seems unrelated to him as well, just after he assumed his position, the union organized a strike demanding better treatment, which felt like Cadillac was giving him a warning!

"What are they demanding?"

Donnie asked with a calm expression.

Rudwell Wells explained, "They are demanding a 15% wage increase and also want the factory to provide them with lunch break chat rights!"

Donnie chuckled, "Quite greedy, aren’t they!"

In the history of the United States, the automobile unions had indeed staged strike protests; during the Great Depression, the U.S. economy faced a profound crisis, unemployment soared, and social discontent was on the rise.

Driven by radical political forces, the United States witnessed a series of unprecedented and far-reaching strikes, such as the 1934 West Coast sailor strike, the Minneapolis truck drivers’ strike, and the Toledo automotive parts strike.

These strikes forced the Roosevelt administration to adopt concession policies, leading President Roosevelt to sign the National Labor Relations Act in 1935, officially granting unions legal status, and unions rapidly proliferated like mushrooms after rain.

Among them, the United Automobile Workers Union was established then, abbreviated as the Auto Workers Union. After its formation, it initiated a sit-down strike in the General Motors industrial park in Flint City, Michigan, ultimately winning and securing representation for General Motors workers, a 5% wage increase, and lunch break chat rights.

The Auto Workers Union became renowned after Flint, and one hundred thousand General Motors workers joined the organization.

Following the victory, the union capitalized on its momentum and initiated a strike at Ford Company. Ultimately, after a stalemate of three years, Ford Company swiftly capitulated. Since then, unions had attained a monopoly position in the U.S. automotive industry.

Now, these people have not yet secured legal rights, but under the impetus of some, they have already launched a strike protest movement.

"What’s the name of their leader?"

Donnie asked.

Rudwell Wells answered, "Dashiye Wright, a worker who joined Cadillac less than five years ago."

Donnie continued to ask, "What does Fisher say about this?"

Given the current situation, this matter requires Fred Fisher to resolve it.

Rudwell Wells remarked, "Fisher indicates he is actively negotiating with the other side, but ultimately whether their demands will be agreed upon, requires your final decision, Boss!"

Upon hearing this, Donnie slightly frowned. Fred Fisher sure is a sly old fox.

"And I’ve also heard," Rudwell Wells mused, "that they are contacting workers from other car factories, preparing for a joint massive strike!"

Donnie waved his hand and said, "Don’t worry about that; they lack the capacity for it!"

This isn’t a few years later; unions are not yet legal. Being able to organize such a worker strike movement at Cadillac already pushes certain people’s limits; they still dream of organizing a citywide strike in Detroit.

If they really had that capability, they would not only have the current influence!

Donnie continued to ask, "How many people in the factory are participating in the strike, how many are not, and among those striking, how many key positions have been vacated? Investigate thoroughly and bring Fred Fisher here!"

Upon hearing Donnie’s orders, Rudwell Wells immediately got to work!

Soon, a sweat-drenched Fred Fisher arrived at Donnie’s side.

"Mr. Block, I sincerely apologize for this matter, and I will find a way to resolve it as quickly as possible!"

Donnie waved his hand, saying, "No need for those words; they are useless. I want to know now, which people in the company’s management are involved in this matter!"

The union and management are supposed to be adversaries.

But this is only something the most ignorant workers would believe; when interests are at stake, no one will choose to stand on the same side as the working class. In some future period, the East achieved this, where workers and peasants were the masters of the country, but later, it had been many years since the phrase "labor class is the most honorable" was spoken.

In just two days, Cadillac managed to organize such a vast strike protest; undoubtedly, there was some collusion, and Donnie, as the big boss of Cadillac, had not received any prior information.

This actually explains a lot!

Fred Fisher was drenched in sweat, at that moment he even wanted to resign from his position as Cadillac’s president; stepping away from this vortex seemed like the wisest choice.

"It’s still unclear if any management people are involved!"

Donnie looked at Fred Fisher and coldly said, "So, do you believe it, or are you hoping I will believe it?"