A general meeting of all staff, this should be a product with distinct characteristics of the era, originating from past struggle sessions, and generally only convened under particularly important circumstances.
The automobile factory had already held two general meetings of all staff this year.
The first was three months ago, when the former factory director, unable to bear the pressure of internal strife and external challenges, committed suicide. Then, after a series of elections (and evasions), the young Wang Yu took over as the factory director (the scapegoat).
The second was last month, for the privatization of the state-owned enterprise. Workers could choose to stay and sign labor contracts, or they could be laid off and leave.
Although many workers still hadn't figured out the difference between state-owned and private enterprises, as Wang Yu seemed to be the boss regardless, they understood what being laid off meant. At that moment, everyone agreed to continue signing contracts.
After all, if they were laid off, they wouldn't know where else to find work, and the factory still owed them back wages. Naturally, no one chose to be laid off.
However, rumors had been circulating back then that the factory would eventually force everyone to be laid off, as there was no telling when the factory might go bankrupt...
So, when Wang Yu announced the convening of a general meeting of all staff this time, everyone was shocked.
Could it be that they had received some orders recently and were preparing to settle everyone's wages and send them away?
After all, one more person meant one more mouth to feed; that was a truth even a fool understood.
It was fine when they were all eating from the common pot before, but what about now? If the young factory director really made them all leave, what would they do?
No, they had worked in the factory their whole lives, they couldn't just leave in such a dejected manner!
The workers, filled with righteous indignation, encouraged and incited each other. If Wang Yu truly made the decision to let everyone go, they would stir up a big scene no matter what!
While the workers were fervently planning to cause trouble, the cadres were also filled with unease.
As leaders, they had to look at issues more deeply, but none of them knew what Wang Yu intended to do.
In other words, those who had the real ability and connections would have already left. Why would they stay here? Thinking about the uncertain future, everyone felt a sense of unease.
With everyone lost in their own thoughts, the general meeting of all staff was convened in the automobile factory's canteen.
As there was no dedicated large conference room or auditorium, the canteen was the only option.
Wang Yu stood at the very front, facing everyone, with the cadres of various levels behind him, all with somber expressions and preoccupied minds.
The workers sat at the dining tables. Seeing the solemn faces of the cadres, they too felt a pang of dread. Could the rumors be true?
"Everyone, today we are holding a general meeting of all staff here. There are a few things I want to discuss with all of you."
Seeing that most people had arrived, Wang Yu cut to the chase.
He didn't offer any pleasantries about being happy to have everyone gathered, or make any useless small talk, and went straight to the point.
"First, our factory has recently received quite a few orders. Regarding your wages, I need to say something."
Wang Yu's first sentence silenced the murmuring crowd.
Seeing everyone quiet and focused on him, Wang Yu nodded slightly. It was a pity there was no microphone, and he had to shout to be heard, which was quite tiring.
He would have to get a microphone set up. He could even try to assemble one himself from spare parts.
Putting aside his inner musings for a moment, Wang Yu continued to address the crowd.
"Previously, the factory was indeed in dire straits, which is why we've been owing you wages. I believe you can understand. Now that we've received so many orders, I want to assure you all that as soon as these orders are delivered and the funds are recouped, we will immediately disburse the outstanding wages. Of course, there will also be corresponding bonuses for recent overtime work. We won't let you work for nothing."
Wang Yu's words were met with nods of approval and cheers from the crowd. Some even led the applause.
Back wages! And bonuses!
However, Wang Yu's next sentence made everyone fall silent.
"Of course, regarding the future plans for our factory and the distribution of wages, I also have a brand new proposal."
This follow-up remark from Wang Yu extinguished all the hope in their hearts like a cold wind.
Indeed, what was coming had to come!
Everyone's heart sank. Almost all state-owned enterprises that underwent privatization ultimately led to layoffs.
As for the laid-off workers, some were given a sum of money to send them away, some received nothing at all, and even more malicious individuals would use various means to force workers to resign voluntarily and then collect a penalty.
Of course, they called it a breach of contract fee. Although they didn't know what it meant, it was definitely wicked. They didn't know which scoundrel came up with it. No matter how much they protested, it was useless, as it was claimed that everything was in accordance with legal procedures. The former steel plant was a prime example, having cheated a large number of workers!
Although, after interacting with him, they felt that their little factory director was not such a wicked person, there was always the possibility of "what if." One could know a person's face but not their heart!
Moreover, even if the little factory director had a good conscience and gave them some money to leave, that wouldn't work either! Where else could they find work? Their wives and children were relying on them for food.
At that moment, someone dissatisfied stood up directly.
"Little factory director, we've worked our hearts out for this factory for so many years. You can't just dismiss us with a few words!"
"That's right! If you don't give us a way to live, we'll fight you!"
"Exactly! The whole family relies on this meager salary. You leaders can't just disregard our livelihoods!"
...
Soon, all the workers became agitated. While some were initially calm, people are prone to following the crowd. Seeing others speaking with tears in their eyes, they began to feel that what they were saying made sense. They also joined in the shouting.
In an instant, the entire canteen became noisy and chaotic, like a marketplace.
Even the respected old director Li Ming stepped forward and repeatedly tried to calm the situation by shouting, but he couldn't control the scene.
Some of the more hot-tempered workers even stood up, emotionally agitated and ready to confront Wang Yu.
"Little factory director, the situation doesn't look good! Perhaps it would be better to postpone this discussion until later."
Feng Daochun whispered to Wang Yu from the side.
Their little factory director was a super genius in product design and also a skilled hand in business, capable of meticulous planning and foresight.
But he was still too young, lacking in interpersonal skills. How could he have blurted this out so hastily in front of everyone?
Such matters should be acted upon, not discussed. Once he had established a firm foothold, he could win over some, suppress others, and eliminate a few, breaking down the workers into smaller groups so they couldn't unite, and then he would have them completely under his control. He could mold them as he pleased.
It could only be said that he was too young!
Feng Daochun sighed inwardly.
However, Wang Yu remained unfazed. With a smile, he walked directly in front of everyone, especially facing the most agitated worker, allowing the spittle to splash onto his forehead.
With a faint smile, he said, "What? Does everyone have an issue with my proposal to pay more money?"
At his words, everyone fell silent.