Restrictions and possible ban on labor unions

[Hippostania]

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In today's session, the Hippostanian Parliament has discussed the possibility of imposing restrictions or even outright outlawing the operation of trade unions, although some MP's have proposed that trade unions representing university-level, professional or other high-level training employees would be exempt from the law which would heavily restrict the operation of other, lower middle-class and lower class wage earners' organizations.
According to the Parliamentary spokesperson, the bill is largely a response to the embargoes several nations have instituted on Hippostania. The spokesperson said that ''while the embargoes aren't going to create long-term instability to the Hippostanian economy, we must consider somewhat radical actions like this to maintain our economy in the short-term. Of course, we wouldn't be in this situation if there weren't any embargoes in the first place. Those darn commies who think they're defending ''freedom'' are now actually harming the common man.
Hippostanian Parliament is going to hold another two sessions to decide whetever it will accept the new proposal. One on Monday, and the other one where the fate of the proposal will be decided on Wednesday.

[Threlizdun]

To combat the embargo placed on you for issuing tyranical practices to destroy any ideas you disagree with in your nation you are getting rid of everything that even remotely resembles leftist thought? We're sorry, we aren't advocating this in your nation, but your population is going to hold a revolution against you. Even those that strongly support capitalism would oppose such a bill.

[Yuktova]

From: The Zeitgeist Commonwealth of Yuktova
To: Hippostanian Government (if it even exists due to you being Laizze Faire)
Message:
The Zeitgeist Commonwealth of Yuktova would like to announce to the Hippostanian Government that it is blocking civil, political, and economic rights within it's nation. Hippostania is not a democracy, oh no, but a dictatorship on the ultra rich and corporations. The Commonwealth implores you to allow unions and labour rights. If not, it shall show the world, and your people, that you are a sham of a representative democracy. Time to wake up.

Sincerely, Chairman Davmin Fredorski, leader of The Zeitgeist Commonwealth of Yuktova,

[Oceanic Vakiadia]

Veristiy Cansyer, the Chairman of the Communist Party of Vakiadia, was doing some routine paperwork when his messenger, Kyarvil Mistrek, walked in, carrying a folder marked 'Hippostania'. Vyeristiy looked up. "Good day, Kyarvil," he said. "May I ask what news you have for me?" Kyarvil nodded, and without a word, placed the folder on Veristiy's desk. "Labour Unions in Hippostania under fire by the government. Supposedly the embargoes placed on Hippostania make short-term radical options necessary." Veristiy was reading the report with no emotion showing whatsoever. Eventually, he put it down, shook his head, and faced Kyarvil. "No action is required here. No statements, no requests, none of that, for now." Kyarvil nodded. "Now," Veristiy continued, "I need to go down to the meeting room for drafting of Proposal 756. With any luck, it may be presented to the Senate within the next few weeks. Dismissed." Kyarvil saluted in the Communist manner, placing his left fist on his chest and his right fist in the air, and left, Veristiy close behind.

[Tsarsgrad]

The Congress of Tsarsgrad threatens to reverse her status on banning Communist symbols against said nation and economic sanctions if they follow through on banning Labor Unions.

[The Republic of Lanos]

OOC: Let me guess. You're doing this because CS is trying to condemn you and you're going off on a tangent just to piss CS off?

[Bleckonia]

From: The Republic of Bleckonia
To: The Pony Republic of Hippostania

Dear Leader of Hippostania,

The Republic of Bleckonia officially opposes such an action. In the ROB, as well as in most nations, labor unions were the single most important catalyst in establishing safe and fair labor practices. In real world application, think about the United States. Before labor unions, common people were working their butts off in sweatshops while the rich were swimming in 100 dollar bills. Remember, the rich and corporations do not care about the common people, just profit.

Protect workers and their families. Don't outlaw labor unions.

Also, if this bill is passed, the ROB will increase import tariffs and quotas on goods from your nation. I will also support the WA condemnation proposal on your nation.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Westminster
Minister of Foreign Affairs

[New Nassrau]

To: Hippostania

This is a good step to help your economy, there are very few unions that are in our nation, I'm not saying they're all bad, but if they get to big, they destroy the economy. For example, in the Democratic Republic era, the trade union workers wanted such high pay, that the businesses had to move out of the country. This is why we have plans for this kind of thing.

Foreign Minister-Uganda Lika

[Valcluse]

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères

Greetings,

As a supporter of the freedoms in this world and as a supporter of your nations rights to sovereignity and to defend whatever beliefs your nation holds dear, we, the government and the people of the Provincial Republic of Valcluse, would stand by your side no matter what. But as your nation appears to be little affected by a bunch of nations whose sole intent is the spread communism to every corner of the world in the name of huamn rights, we feel that the potential abolishment of unions would be a fruitless and pointless endeavour. We believe this because there are plenty of nations in the world willing to trade with your nation and support your government, us included in those ranks. Therefore it is imperative that we request that Hippostania must consider the implications of such proposed legislation and what this means for your nation and your image. We do wish to see Hippostania become a pariah state in the eyes of the international community as it would call into question whether we as Valclusians value money over ethics.

We humbly request that you carefully consider what it is that you are proposing. Whilst trade and labour unions are indeed a pain to deal with, they provide a valuable service to those who need it.

Sincerely,
Valérie Alsace,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

[Lykosia]

The Republican Government of the Unitary Republic of Lykosia
Pemerintahan Republik Negara Kesatuan Republik Lykosia

Official Communiqué
Pernyataan Resmi

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From: Hutch Raymond, Vice President of Lykosia
To: Lyra, Parliamentary Chancellor of Hippostania
Carbon Copy: -
Attachments: -
Subject: Possible ban on labor unions in Hippostania
Encryption: None

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To the honorable Lyra,

I as the Vice President of Lykosia representing the President of Lykosia Edgar Phoenix Skye, the Republican Government and the people of Lykosia, would like to express our concerns and dismay over the plan of labor unions ban. I have notified President Skye who is still in the CoPS economy summit in your country, and I'm sure he will be upset hearing the news.

We are very shocked by the plan of banning labor unions and we are very saddened that you dare to sacrifice civil rights in your country only to save your economy. We oppose this shameful plan as we believe that sentient beings have the right to associate and form organizations. Labor unions are important to give aspiration to the company, corporations, and to your government since they are the backbone of economy. We understand that you embrace capitalism and we also oppose communism, but be aware that you also should pay attention to the workers and make them prosper. Economy will be nonsense if the workers are hungry while their employers wallowing in wealth. Without labors, your economy will collapse.

As an ally, we really hope that you cancel this plan as soon as possible. There are many ways to save your economy and the Republic will be gladly help with all of our might. But banning labor unions will be in vain, or even worse, make the labors rebel against the present government.

You have been warned, therefore we hope you make the right decision. We will understand whatever decision you make, however Lykosia do not want to hear any other "sensation" from Hippostania anymore.

---

Signed,

Hutch Raymond
Vice President of the Unitary Republic of Lykosia

[Crolacia]

We condemn this because it's gone too far! You can't let corporations rule your country. This will show a real lack of civil right if you pass that bill. We supported you when you banned communism,but it has really gone too far.

[Thurask]

"Oh goody, more news from the ponies." The Prime Minister had forgotten about the issue for a while now, concentrating on more important things. Of course, something always comes around to remind her of these things, as did the latest message from the Hippostanian Parliament. She tapped a button on her desk, and spoke into the intercom. "Just draft a message to those damn ponies. The usual 'we disapprove'."

---

TO: 'Pony Republic' of Hippostania, Foreign Office
FROM: Office of the Prime Minister of Thurask

Since we already put a blanket ban on Ponyist symbols and cut off trade, we feel we have nothing else to do to respond to this.

Have a nice, numbered, day.

-Anna Holmes
Prime Minister of Thurask
General Secretary, Communist Party of Thurask

[The Anglo-Saxon Empire]

To: Hippostania
From: Luthoria

LOL.

[Dagnia]

To: The Pony Republic of Hippostania
From: وزارة دقنئية الشئون الأجنبية
Dagnian Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Technocratic Republic of Dagnia strongly opposes any move that restricts the right of workers to engage in collective bargaining. As a capitalist nation, we see collective bargaining to be an important part of the system when done the right way. Restricting some of the coercive practices of unions, such as forcing workers to join or not allowing them to vote by secret ballot is perfectly acceptable and even necessary. However, we find the outright banning or even placing restrictions on unions to be short-sighted and reactionary. Our approach may be partly why the typical low-level factory worker in Dagnia would not even think of gravitating towards economically left-leaning parties.

Our nation strongly urges The Pony Republic of Hippostania to reconsider these new laws in favor of something that benefits everyone.

[Hippostania]

Ponyist Coalition (Pony Party, United Green Party, Liberal Democratic Progressive Party) meeting, 1 hour before the session
Houses of Parliament, Waverley, Hippostania

''IT ALL WENT STRAIGHT TO HELL! Green May, a dark green pony with a long, light green mane and a member of the Pony Party exclaimed and banged her hoof on the table. ''We've gotten only more condemnations, even from nations which we consider our allies. And none of the darn commies have undoed their embargoes. Our grrrreat and powerrrrful plan pretty muched backfired!''

''Well frankly, I don't care about that!'' Juan Mendez, a balding hispanic man in his late 60's and a member of the LDPP responded. ''This has been a great step forwards even though our original plan failed. Those unions have never done anything good for Hippostania, now Average Joe can pretty much control the employeer using unions! We must pass this bill!''

''You have to remember that if we pass the bill, there's a chance that the WA condemnation might actually succeed! Right now, banning the unions will only cause us harm'' Sophia Hall, a blonde female in his late 30's pointed out.

''Screw those commies! Hippostania is a sovereign nation and we have a right to do what we wa..'' Juan Mendez's rant was interrupted by a loud cough made by Lyra, a turqoise unicorn, parliamentary chancellor and chairpony of the Pony Party

''At the moment, I believe that moderation is what we need'' Lyra said. ''The official line of the Pony Party is that we will be against the resolution in its current form. All Pony Party MP's must vote against the proposal.''

''Since we all know that the Bourgeois Party, Hippostania First and National Democratic Party are going to support this vote, I really wish that all members of the Ponyist Coalition could vote against this proposal'' Oliver Foster, chairman of the UGP said, and continued: But I can't force all UGP MP's to vote against this proposal. The best I can do is to recommend that you vote against it''

LDPP's stance on this issue will be neutral'' Jonathan Lewis, chairman of the LDPP said. ''MP's of the LDPP have so different opinions and the party doesn't have an official line regarding instances like this. You may all vote what you wish for. Yay or nay.''

''Ok, meeting's over!'' Lyra exclaimed. ''Good luck everypony!''

[Christian Indonesia]

Official Communiqué from The Republic of Christian Indonesia

To: The Pony Republic of Hippostania

I'm as President Republic of Christian Indonesia stands neutral against this, but I think labor unions should be unbanned because they'll become moderator between corporation and labour when they're on dead end. If Hippostania will ban labour unions, Hippostania must make sure all labour pay well.


Your best regards,

Nathanael Octavianus

President of Republic Christian Indonesia
Nathanael Octavianus

[The Kangaroo Republic]

To: The Hippostanian Government
From: The FKR Government
Subject: Bill regarding ban on labour unions

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Good day,

The FKR would like to express its appalment in light of the recent events in Hippostania. We strongly urge you to not allow the bill to ban labour unions to pass as we strongly believe it infringes on the individual's right to assemble. The FKR shall follow the events closely, and we strongly hope that the government of Hippostania will not allow such an infringement on individual rights to pass.

---

Signed,
Minister of Foreign Affairs Izmae Wudar Kønewud

[Eastern Canuckistan]

To the so-called "Parliament" of Hippostania,

We regard your tyrannical proposal as a breach of the rights of freedom of association, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression, not to mention the right to strike necessary for any kind of truly free society. The signatories of this resolution are members of a broad spectrum of opinion in Eastern Canuckistan, ranging from the far right to the far left. We are all agreed that any true representative democracy with responsible government must not outlaw trade unions. Not even Hitler did that (though he replaced them with a phony labor organization controlled by the Nazi Party). We consider your new law to be a clear indication of a totalitarian dictatorship, instead of a truly free society.

Reconsider for the good of your own nation and its people, who are, after all, your employers, not your employees. Government is the servant of the people, not its master.

Sincerely,

Jane Michaels, Prime Minister of Eastern Canuckistan and Leader of the New Liberal Party
Rufus Hawkins, Leader of the Opposition and of the Reformed Alliance
Josee Moreau, Leader of the Free Citizens Party
Pierre Papineau, Leader of the Green Party
Charles Sorenson, Leader of the Communist Party
Marc Pepin, Leader of the New Right Nationalist Bloc

[Southern Patriots]

Banning unions would be a violation of another World Assembly resolution. I'm certain even Hippostania's staunchest Pony allies can see the folly in supporting a government that would be breaking its word to the international community.

[Crystal Spires]

High Chancellor Maven Auryn looked at the press release upon his desk and immediately sighed in frustration. He did know of the nation of Hippostania's past World Assembly violations and while he the official statement from the Free Lands of Crystal Spires was that they did not wish to participate in the international embargo of Hippostania, Maven was disgusted that there had been constant gross violations by Hippostania's Pony Republic. He also knew how dangerous it was for them, because Ponies being a targeted minority throughout the world would be associated with the nation of Hippostania and in turn the Pony Coalition, and thus would be putting the ponies that Maven granted Asylum in his nation at greater risk. The High Council of Caltris had reconvened and they debated and while the new representative in the High Council of Caltris, Merris E. Quine, assured Maven the seriousness of the situation in Hippostania. He had little recourse but to issue a condemnation to the nation of Hippostania, but it seems a Chancellor's work is never done. Maven took his parchment in hand and penned a letter to the Hippostanian Parliament.

To the Parliament of The Pony Republic of Hippostania,



It has come to our attention from Ambassador Merris Quine, representative of the Free Lands of Crystal Spires, that the situation has once again began to deteriorate in your nation and while in the past we have refused to embargo your nation on moral grounds due to the toll that embargoes take upon civilians, we still support our decision to issue our condemnation on behalf of the World Assembly. In order to not deny your citizens the right to live with dignity and comfort, it is essential to stay strong and act to make a positive change in your country. It is not within the nature of our honored people to forget compassion, but we also are fiercely dedicated to upholding the charter of Humane and Civil rights and we offer our regret that it has had to come to such extreme measures. We ask that you remain strong, and that also you remain dedicated to protecting the workers of your nation. Banning labor unions would once again be adding yet another violation of international law slip past the realms of our commitment to the World Assembly. As High Chancellor, it is my warning to you that such measures shall not be unacknowledged by the international community, and we do wish that you consider the seriousness of your decisions. The whole international community is watching.

Keep well and safe,

Maven looked it over and handed his briefing to Yalij "Make sure this gets to the Hippostanian Parliament and that Parliamentary Chancellor Lyra sees it personally."

"Yes, your excellency." Yalij said as he bowed and took the letter to the courier.

[Glasgia]

OOC: Why are you so anti-left. They're not that bad.

[Urmanian]

OOC: Why are you so anti-left. They're not that bad.

OOC: They want to destroy economy and hurt innocent people

[The Kangaroo Republic]

OOC: Why are you so anti-left. They're not that bad.

OOC: They want to destroy economy and hurt innocent people

OOC: More importantly, RP =/= RL

[Crystal Spires]

OOC: Why are you so anti-left. They're not that bad.

They probably aren't. They're being in character, just like I am.

Maven anticipated the response not knowing what to expect from Hippostania. He knew that the response could be vitriolic, but Maven if anything was a patient man. He watched his usual television programming of the early morning "Town Crier" and saw the backlash from the proposal and couldn't help but be moved to compassion for the citizens of Hippostania, but he knew well that the only thing he could do was wait. Watch and wait for action to be taken. He drank his warm earl grey tea and had his scones with clotted cream.

[ArghNeedAName]

We fail to understand why Hippostania bans communism one week and then a few weeks later starts contemplating doing thing that communist countries do - banning or castrating trade unions.



The trend could be more disturbing than you might think.

First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.