LUME
BLUE BLOC
Labor Union of Managers and Entrepreneurs
LUME is the only legal union in the Free Fatherlands of Nova Columbia and the Blue Bloc’s most influential political think tank. Composed of the nation’s business and financial elite, it brings together the great fortunes and corporations behind the creation of the FNC. Most policies and laws enacted by the government originate in its proposals.
Origins
LUME emerged from a meeting of wealthy families, investors, and tycoons at Columbia University. Its founders sought to halt the spread of communism and reverse the former United States government’s economic intervention policies.
The union drafted a manifesto, the New Constitution, advocating a minimal state and liberalism as solutions to the crisis. Its confrontation with the government culminated in a coup and an uprising in Washington. After the presidential cabinet fell, LUME experts took over the new government, major companies received extraordinary powers, and the market opened to the powers involved in the Great War. The Free Fatherlands of Nova Columbia emerged from this transformation.
Roles and influence
LUME converts the business elite’s interests into political and legislative proposals. Although other lobbies, consortia, and corporate alliances exist, union membership is virtually indispensable for any businessperson seeking lasting political influence.
It also monitors the central government. It examines offices and departments for inefficiencies or bureaucracy that, according to its principles, should be replaced by corporate management. Corporations retain their rivalries and form temporary alliances to promote laws or pressure other companies.
Institutional relationships
LUME’s influence has made Columbia University the Blue Bloc’s principal training ground for its elites. Its economics, history, politics, and philosophy programs adopt a radically neoliberal approach.
The union also participates in strategic technology projects and the EVERYMAN program.