Life of Being a Crown Prince in France-Chapter 662 571 French Labor Security and Safety Decree

The gray-black "Gemstone Model 3" carriage drifted around the street corner, sped past the pedestrians, and then screeched to a halt outside the Lyon City Hall amid the coachman's "Wuo" shouts.

The general manager of Grande Manufacturing Company, Flimlan, leapt from the carriage, sprinting toward the finance office with athletic skills difficult to match at 50.

Upon entering the city hall, he finally caught his breath.

There were only five or six people in line ahead of him; he was quite early.

No wonder he was anxious, as no one could be sure how much the compensation would be. If he were late, the funds might be gone, or he'd have to wait a long time, which would be regrettable.

The line moved slowly, prompting him to constantly peer forward, watching the government officials incessantly explain something to the factory owners claiming compensation.

After nearly three hours, Flimlan finally reached the front of the queue, with a considerable line having formed behind him. These million-franc tycoons hadn't queued like this in a long time.

"Next."

The melodic voice of the finance official called out. Flimlan quickly took the leather bag from his attendant and stepped forward, placing various company documents and, most importantly, the purchase agreements on the desk.

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"The weather is quite cold, my respects to your hard work," he said to the official with a smile plastered on his face. "Look, I have signed orders totaling 570,000 francs. Here, this 'Vienna Observer Caravan.'

"According to the government's notice, it seems I can receive 68,000 francs in compensation, is that correct?"

The official, taking the documents, nodded, "We need to verify the information first, including checking whether your factory produced the goods listed on the orders.

"If everything checks out, then you can receive the compensation."

"Ah, that's wonderful!" exclaimed Flimlan, "Long live His Majesty the King! Long live the Crown Prince!"

The official casually handed over a booklet, saying, "Oh, I must explain something to you.

"First, all compensation must be used to pay your workers, excluding company directors and senior management.

"Also, wages for all workers must not be lower than last month's level.

"You can send someone with the payroll receipts to settle accounts here each month, until the designated compensation is fully disbursed."

Joseph knew these capitalists would immediately shift losses onto the workers after the company lost money.

France's industrial development was only beginning, and companies were already pressing worker wages to the bare survival minimum to cut costs.

Any further reduction could likely render workers unable to sustain living, leading to widespread strikes or even riots.

So, he ultimately decided to use the 4.5 million francs for "targeted assistance." Since the money came without cost and was not an overwhelming amount, if it could stabilize France's industrial environment, it was definitely a win-win.

He also planned to use this money to promote the recently drafted French Labor Security and Safety Decree.

The finance official indicated the booklet in Flimlan's hand, "Additionally, you must ensure not to violate this decree. Otherwise, compensation will be terminated."

Flimlan hurriedly flipped through the Labor Security and Safety Decree, puzzled, "When was this enacted?"

"It's been in trial for one and a half months," responded the official, not surprised, having encountered only one factory owner today who knew of this decree, "It should be formally enforced next year."

Flimlan reviewed the decrees: Factories must employ workers older than nine years...

Workers cannot start work before 6 AM, and workdays cannot exceed 14 hours; overtime must be compensated...

Factories must ensure a safe work environment, referring to the latest safety standards in each industry...

Factories must guarantee at least two hours of classes per day for workers who haven't completed basic education...

Factories cannot fire workers without cause, and for those who must be terminated, compensation equivalent to one to three months' wages based on the severity of their offenses must be paid...

There was much more. Flimlan briefly scanned it, quickly nodding, "Yes, I will comply diligently."

The decree had to be followed after all, and he had essentially confirmed that while the decree would increase his production costs somewhat, it wouldn't be by much.

Compared to the nearly 70,000 francs in compensation, this additional cost was negligible.

Soon after, Flimlan finished the procedures, signed the compensation agreement, and was delighted to head back to the company.

With this money, he wouldn't need to use the company's accounts for worker wages for the rest of the year.

"Mr. Edgar Destan."

The voice of the finance official behind Flimlan made him start. Destan's Larsco Textile Company had reduced production in the first month as per the requirements of the Industrial Development Fund, so it should not have suffered any losses.

He turned in surprise, only to hear Destan say, "Well, my company only lost 17,000 francs, but according to the order amount, the compensation is 90,000 francs. Look at this..."

Unhesitatingly, the official said, "The compensation will still be disbursed according to the preset amount, regardless of your losses.

"However, I must first explain to you. First, the compensation must be used to pay the wages of workers..."

Flimlan's eyes widened in shock; how could someone profit from order fraud?!

Even with compensation, he still faced nearly 20,000 francs in losses!

He regretted not listening to the recommendation of the Development Fund Committee to reduce production from the start; he could have earned tens of thousands of francs and even bought that villa he had long coveted...

Other factory owners coming for compensation shared his thoughts, muttering that in the future, they should trust the Development Fund's advice.

Half a month later, a piece of news that made them even more envious spread—the Industrial Development Fund considered the factories that had reduced production to have "valuable foresight" and "keen market sense," so it decided to increase investment in them and apply for tax reductions.

The factory owners were nearly sour with jealousy.

Investments from the Development Fund were easily hundreds of thousands or more, coupled with tax reduction, these companies' scale, and competitiveness would immediately rise to a new level.

It was like ascending to the heavens in one step! If it were them, even with several years or more than a dozen years of hard work, they might not achieve such development.

...

Paris.

In the Tuileries Palace on the second floor, Joseph smiled at Carolina sitting opposite him, not sparing any praises, "You have achieved tremendous success in Vienna, proving yourself as France's top finance and trade expert."