(SENATE) Union Registration Act

[Red John]

It seems that regardless of whatever bill is passed or fails to pass, we will see labor action, as we have seen with the successful passing of the 8 hour work day bill, which saw many take action despite constitutional mechanisms being in place to ensure the passing of such a bill.

That said, some vague statements should be reworded.

Clarify which statements you refer to please.

The "influenced by foreign powers" part.

[acecipher]

We find the sentiment behind this bill to be alarmist and poorly considered.

Unions are hardly the gravest concern Brasil is facing. We have armed bandits who openly subvert the government, and yet the subversive element that seeks to undermine society is organized labor?

This is merely classic union-busting under an alarmist mantle. If this bill truly wishes to be productive, it would include stringent safeguards against Unions, and tight definitions of what is considered and how the measures of the bill will produce such results. Until then, you simply are handing the Coronels and Farquhar the leash of an attack dog with which they shall do violence unto the body of the Brasilian worker.

[Flaming Bolshevik]

It seems that regardless of whatever bill is passed or fails to pass, we will see labor action, as we have seen with the successful passing of the 8 hour work day bill, which saw many take action despite constitutional mechanisms being in place to ensure the passing of such a bill.

That said, some vague statements should be reworded.

Clarify which statements you refer to please.

The "influenced by foreign powers" part.

Fixed.

[Snacks]

While we appreciate the Integralist representative's responses to requests to clarify by our colleagues in the PCB, the BLOC is concerned that this bill is vaguely worded to a dangerous and, given the representative's previous statements, malicious degree. What constitutes the 'pressure' that a union would supposedly be acting under and indeed, what would the representative have us assume constitutes a 'foreign power'?

As it is, this bill could be interpreted as barring unions from participating in international conferences with their counterparts from other nations, especially as the Integralists clearly see it as a means to use their patently false claims of violence by unions to goad the government into suppressing organized labor for them.

The hypocrisy and intellectual dishonesty from which this bill springs aside, I must honestly ask why this bill is needed- High Treason and insurrection against the state are, the last time I checked, already crimes. Assault, murder, vandalism, robbery and destruction of property are also already illegal as is conspiracy to commit them.

So of what use is this bill- one of granting the state sweeping and easily-abused powers -to the people of Brazil and not merely the benefit of your party and its anti-union agenda, sir?

[Flaming Bolshevik]

While we appreciate the Integralist representative's responses to requests to clarify by our colleagues in the PCB, the BLOC is concerned that this bill is vaguely worded to a dangerous and, given the representative's previous statements, malicious degree. What constitutes the 'pressure' that a union would supposedly be acting under and indeed, what would the representative have us assume constitutes a 'foreign power'?

As it is, this bill could be interpreted as barring unions from participating in international conferences with their counterparts from other nations, especially as the Integralists clearly see it as a means to use their patently false claims of violence by unions to goad the government into suppressing organized labor for them.

The hypocrisy and intellectual dishonesty from which this bill springs aside, I must honestly ask why this bill is needed- High Treason and insurrection against the state are, the last time I checked, already crimes. Assault, murder, vandalism, robbery and destruction of property are also already illegal as is conspiracy to commit them.

So of what use is this bill- one of granting the state sweeping and easily-abused powers -to the people of Brazil and not merely the benefit of your party and its anti-union agenda, sir?

We view pressure as any sort of incitement to an act that could increase social tension. The example that comes to mind is the Third International influencing the tactics that the PCB and affiliated unions take in regards to strikes and anything of the sort. A foreign power being defined as any Government or Government Entity that may influence us through acts of espionage.

We view this bill as necessary because the Working Class is powerful when organized, but if led by people such as the Communists such Organization becomes dangerous and leads to violent revolution as witnessed in Russia. We are not restricting unions in any way with this bill, only keeping them in line and accountable.

[Smyg]

The Communist International does not influence us to do anything. We are a sovereign people with the right to self-determination. It is merely a forum for the exchange of ideas. What of your own ties to Il Duce, eh?

[Flaming Bolshevik]

The Communist International does not influence us to do anything. We are a sovereign people with the right to self-determination. It is merely a forum for the exchange of ideas. What of your own ties to Il Duce, eh?

We are not directly ordered by Benito Mussolini.

[Smyg]

So you say, comrade. As do we.

[Luc]

Sebastião do Rego Barros, President of the Chamber of Deputies

Given the discussion, would delegates be willing to move this bill into voting? Or would more time be appreciated to debate it?

[Red John]

We would encourage a move to voting.

[Luc]

Sebastião do Rego Barros, President of the Chamber of Deputies

The motion is accepted. We will begin an official vote on this bill.

[Snacks]

It is our opinion that this bill, whose sponsor has openly admitted its goal is ideological suppression, was submitted in bad faith and- furthermore being overly broad and open to partisan interpretation and abuse -should be tabled. The criminal laws of this republic are more than sufficient for dealing with any good this bill could possibly do at its most benign, and it is a travesty for this body to call to a vote whether the citizens of this republic may be intimidated into abandoning their ability to freely associate by their government dictating the contents of their charters to them. We call on the parties of this chamber that claim to act in the interest of protecting democracy to vote for the tabling of this bill, which is inherently dangerous to the ability of the common man to make his voice heard.

[Luc]

Sebastião do Rego Barros, President of the Chamber of Deputies

We ask that, before voting, the members of this house take in consideration the words of the BLOC members. If there are any parties also willing to table this vote, let it be known right now.

[Smyg]

It is our opinion that this bill, whose sponsor has openly admitted its goal is ideological suppression, was submitted in bad faith and- furthermore being overly broad and open to partisan interpretation and abuse -should be tabled. The criminal laws of this republic are more than sufficient for dealing with any good this bill could possibly do at its most benign, and it is a travesty for this body to call to a vote whether the citizens of this republic may be intimidated into abandoning their ability to freely associate by their government dictating the contents of their charters to them. We call on the parties of this chamber that claim to act in the interest of protecting democracy to vote for the tabling of this bill, which is inherently dangerous to the ability of the common man to make his voice heard.

We fully agree.

[acecipher]

We also agree that this bill should be tabled.

In the case that it is not, we will oppose it to the fullest extent possible. (27)