Workers slacking off is common throughout the Federation; many factory workers habitually do so, and the situation there is even more complicated than here.
Under various legal protections and the support of labor unions, even if capitalists know workers are slacking, there is little they can do about it.
If capitalists push too hard, workers strike, protest, and union lawyers sue, accusing capitalists of exploiting human nature’s need for rest by forcing intense labor without breaks.
This alone causes capitalists to lose large sums due to legal fees and lawsuits.
If capitalists win, the workers involved apologize and quit, losing little themselves, while capitalists suffer financial losses.
If workers win, lengthy and difficult negotiations follow between capitalists and unions, with unions demanding better pay and more rest to ease labor tensions.
This results in significant losses for capitalists regardless of outcome, so as long as slacking isn’t excessive, they often turn a blind eye.
Nail, somewhat of a novice capitalist, hasn’t yet grasped the essence of capitalism.
Lynch decided to teach Nail a lesson. Lighting a cigarette and relaxing, he said, “Nail, do you know what the most notable feature of the struggle between workers and capitalists is?”
Seeing Nail hesitate, he clarified, “Do you know how workers effectively resist capitalist oppression and exploitation, and how capitalists dismantle that resistance?”
Nail thought seriously but shook his head. His education and experience limited him. Having been a worker, he couldn’t grasp that kind of conflict.
Lynch smiled knowingly. “Workers resist through unity, while capitalists simply create internal competition to divide them.”
“You may not sense it, but this struggle has always existed, even now.”
“Among the many roles of unions, an important one is uniting workers. They form branches in factories to build collective strength against capitalists. You were once a union member; you should understand this better than I do.”
Some truths remain elusive when unspoken, like a thin veil preventing understanding.
Hearing this, Nail suddenly realized, his expression surprised—as if a three-day nasal blockage cleared instantly, a bright insight flooding his mind.
He recalled how their factory often organized group activities. Those were union efforts emphasizing
unity
, showing collective strength that forced capitalists to concede, like allowing half a day off for union events despite initial resistance.
But… looking at Lynch, Nail sensed the importance of this knowledge.
Money’s advantage is that it calms one’s mind. If he and Lynch were poor, discussing this might feel like provocation or insult.
But with plenty of money, they can calmly confront difficult issues.
Poor people avoid discussing their hardships; the wealthy are more willing to share past poverty. Different wealth breeds different mindsets.
Lynch took a drag and continued, “Capitalists, after much trial and error, found an effective method to combat worker unity—group competition.”
If Nail’s nose had just cleared, now his mind became completely clear, energized by this revelation.
Lynch added, “Facing united workers—perhaps
enemy
isn’t the best word; you shouldn’t use it—that’s the simplest way to divide them.”
“But capitalists can’t be too blatant. They group workers by workshop or production line and establish a no-penalty reward system to encourage competition between groups.”
“This system is unfair, but the honor and tangible rewards attract groups to vie for first place.”
“At first, competition may be mild, but over time, attitudes shift. Rivalry grows stronger, achieving the goal of division.”
“Workers develop opposition and even hatred without extra provocation. Capitalists just provide periodic rewards and prestige, and the united workers fight fiercely among themselves.”
“If you notice this, you’ll see competition everywhere.”
Nail nodded instinctively. His workshop had such competition—extra bonuses for the highest-output group, no penalties for others.
This penalty-free competition heated rivalry between workshops year-round.
Even during union activities, people rarely spoke. Now he suspected some tattling came from rival groups.
This exclusion led to disunity during recent closures, preventing workers from unifying opinions and causing many problems.
He suddenly understood. “You want me to do the same here—divide the locals and increase their internal competition?”
Lynch nodded. “It’s easy, but their civilization hasn’t reached the Federation’s minimum standards, so extra motivation is needed.”
“Divide them into at least three groups. At each cycle’s end, part of the last-place group’s wages go as a bonus to the first-place group, with deductions from second place going into a prize pool.”
“On a larger cycle—like in rugby leagues”—Nail eagerly nodded—“you understand the point system.”
“Deductions from second place are eventually given to the highest-scoring group in the big cycle. This fuels competition and hatred, making them work hard without your oversight.”
“To prevent sabotage, at each small cycle’s end, each group nominates and votes to expel workers with majority votes against them.”
Lynch’s face showed a maddening smile; this plan expanded internal competition.
Only the first place benefits; everyone else suffers. Interests of all, including second place, are involved.
They avoid two-group division because complete opposition risks tacit collusion in shifts.
Alternating winners by cycle limits beneficiaries to a few and gives those harmed a chance to change the game, causing fierce internal fighting.
Nail thought deeply, while the deputy manager’s expression brightened. Catching his glance, the deputy quickly smiled respectfully with a hint of fear.
Neither realized that this internal competition tactic ultimately harms capitalists themselves.
Disorderly competition within industries causes great suffering, prompting capitalists to set industry standards to restrain chaos.
Capitalists can do this because some hold decision-making power—large groups who are both
workers
and
bosses
.
Workers differ; they remain only
workers
and never become
bosses
, unable to establish orderly rules for competition within factories or worker groups.
As long as workers cannot truly replace capitalists, they cannot avoid being divided.
Capitalist society and capitalism have been developing for many years, and the labor-capital struggle has lasted just as long. As a result, the Federation now possesses far more advanced capitalist experience than other countries, which was crucial during the early stages of international development.
A few minutes later, Nail seemed to have fully understood. His expression was a mix of excitement, exaggeration, and something strange. “You guys are really something else!”
He said this from the workers’ perspective, since he used to be one.
Lynch smiled without responding, and Nail quickly added, “But it’s very effective!”
How could it not be? This is knowledge that’s at least a century ahead.
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