Building a Conglomerate in Another World

June 7, 1893

Matthew Hesh's day started like any other, with meetings and reports from his various departments. He was reviewing infrastructure updates when Henry Collins, his Chief of Staff, entered the Oval Office in a hurry. His expression was tense, a stack of papers in hand.

"Mr. President, we have a situation," Henry said, setting the papers on the desk.

Matthew straightened. "What is it?"

"There's been a major incident at Caledonia Steel in Pennsylvania. A worker strike escalated into a violent confrontation early this morning. Several people have been killed, and dozens more are injured. The factory is on lockdown, and reports indicate that armed union members have taken control of parts of the facility."

Matthew's jaw tightened. "Caledonia Steel... That's one of the biggest suppliers of our national infrastructure project. If this isn't handled carefully, it could cripple operations across the country."

Henry nodded grimly. "It gets worse. The factory owners are accusing the union leaders of inciting rebellion. The union, in turn, claims that the company's private security opened fire on unarmed workers. Public opinion is already starting to divide along political and class lines."

Matthew leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "I want the facts. No speculation. Get me General Hayes, the Secretary of Labor, and representatives from both the company and the union. We need to contain this before it spirals into a national crisis."

The Situation Room buzzed with tension as key advisors and officials gathered. General Carter Hayes stood near a large map of the Caledonia Steel complex, pointing out key areas where the conflict had broken out.

"Here's what we know," Hayes began. "The strike was originally about unsafe working conditions and wage disputes. Negotiations broke down last week. Early this morning, a scuffle between workers and security guards escalated. Gunfire was exchanged. We have confirmed five dead—two guards and three workers. About forty others are injured."

Matthew absorbed the information. "Have local authorities intervened?"

"The local police are overwhelmed," Hayes replied. "The situation is volatile. If we send federal troops, it could be seen as taking sides, either for the company or the union. We risk inflaming both labor groups and business leaders."
Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire

Secretary of Labor Patricia Monroe spoke next. "Mr. President, this strike is a symptom of deeper issues. Industrial workers across the country are watching this closely. If we handle this poorly, we could see nationwide strikes. The unions are demanding justice, but business leaders are pressuring us to restore order by any means necessary."

Matthew sighed, rubbing his temples. "We're standing on a knife's edge. If we're seen as favoring one side, it could destabilize the entire country."

Amber entered quietly, having heard about the crisis. She gave Matthew a reassuring look before taking a seat beside him.

"You'll need to balance accountability and diplomacy," she said softly. "Both sides need to feel heard."

Matthew nodded, her words grounding him. He stood and addressed the room. "Here's what we're going to do. First, I want a federal investigation launched immediately to determine exactly what happened. We need the truth, not propaganda from either side."

He turned to Hayes. "General, deploy a non-combat detachment to assist local authorities. Their job is to maintain order and protect lives, not to escalate the situation. Make it clear that any unnecessary use of force will not be tolerated."

Hayes saluted. "Understood, Mr. President."

"Patricia," Matthew continued, "reach out to both the union and the company. Tell them I want a meeting in Washington within 48 hours. We'll negotiate a resolution here, under my supervision. No more violence."

"Yes, Mr. President," Monroe replied.

Henry spoke up. "And the press? They're already running wild with this story."

"Hold a press briefing," Matthew ordered. "Be transparent but emphasize that we're taking immediate steps to de-escalate. If we control the narrative, we can prevent further panic."

June 8, 1893 – Washington, D.C.

The meeting between the union and company representatives took place in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. The tension was palpable. On one side sat Richard Caldwell, the CEO of Caledonia Steel, his face flushed with anger. Opposite him sat George Tate, the leader of the steelworkers' union, who radiated defiance.

Matthew entered the room and took his seat at the head of the table. Both men stood briefly out of respect, though it was clear neither wanted to be there.

"Gentlemen, thank you for coming," Matthew began. "We are facing a crisis that threatens more than just your factory. This conflict has the potential to destabilize our entire economy. I'm here to find a solution that ensures safety, justice, and the continued progress of our nation."

Caldwell spoke first, his voice sharp. "Mr. President, these workers have gone too far. They've taken over my property, destroyed equipment, and endangered lives. This is nothing short of domestic terrorism."

Tate immediately fired back. "That's a lie! We were peacefully striking until your hired thugs opened fire on us. Our people are tired of being treated like expendable machines. We demand safe working conditions and fair wages!"

Matthew raised his hand, silencing both men. "I understand your frustrations, but this bickering won't solve anything. We need facts. The federal investigation is underway, and those responsible for any unlawful actions—whether they're guards or workers—will be held accountable."

He turned to Caldwell. "Mr. Caldwell, I understand your concerns about property damage, but you must acknowledge the legitimate grievances of your workers. Safety standards at your facility have been criticized for years."

Caldwell scowled but remained silent.

Matthew then addressed Tate. "Mr. Tate, your people have every right to demand better conditions. However, seizing the factory and escalating the conflict will only undermine your cause. I need your cooperation to bring this to a peaceful resolution."

Tate sighed, nodding reluctantly. "We want peace, Mr. President, but we also want justice."

"You'll have both," Matthew promised. "Here's my proposal: We'll establish a joint commission to oversee safety improvements at Caledonia Steel. Wages will be renegotiated under federal mediation. In return, the union must end the occupation and resume normal operations."

The room fell silent as both sides considered the offer. After a tense moment, Caldwell spoke. "If it's under federal oversight, I can agree to that."

Tate exchanged a glance with his advisors before nodding. "We'll cooperate, but only if there's real accountability."

"Done," Matthew said, standing. "Now let's restore order and move forward."

June 10, 1893

The crisis at Caledonia Steel began to de-escalate. Federal investigators arrived on-site, and both the union and company leaders honored the terms of the agreement. News of the peaceful resolution spread across the nation, bolstering Matthew's reputation as a leader who could handle both business and labor disputes with fairness.

At a press conference, Matthew addressed the nation. "This crisis showed us the importance of balance—between growth and justice, between progress and human dignity. We are stronger when we work together. Let this be a lesson for all of us."