America: My Time

Chapter 965 Tit for tat
Chapter 935 Head-to-Head

John's orders and Gulfstream's resolute stance unsettled the entire continent. Many believed Gulfstream's decision was a mistake, a foolish one, and a recipe for disaster, pushing things to the brink of chaos and madness. They thought John would compromise for their own benefit, but they were wrong. John wouldn't tolerate their behavior; he was going to deliver a fatal blow.

As planned, Gulfstream Aerospace soon notified the Dutch side again, and warned Falk and his crew once more, urging them to accept the group's arrangements and stop making trouble. Unfortunately, those guys took Gulfstream Aerospace's warning as a sign that they couldn't afford the losses and were on the verge of compromise. So, under the guidance of those with ulterior motives, they became even more unscrupulous.

At this point, the Netherlands offered a ridiculous explanation: it was the workers' freedom, and they couldn't interfere. This statement infuriated Gulfstream Aerospace. Of course, everything was under control. If these guys didn't act this way, how could Gulfstream Aerospace be considered in the right? Moreover, this situation gave them a solid reason to proceed, ensuring that no one could criticize Gulfstream Aerospace and that they remained in an invincible position.

"Alright, these guys have finally taken a step forward. Now we can begin. Inform them of the complete relocation of the Falk factory, and also warn the British not to play any tricks, otherwise we will have a reason to abandon our previous decision. In Europe, we don't necessarily have to choose them. Germany is also a good option!"

As soon as Carol Tomei finished speaking, everyone at Gulfstream Aerospace headquarters agreed to the arrangement. They couldn't disagree because everyone knew it was the boss's decision. If the boss agreed, what reason did they have to disagree? Only a fool would choose to stand against the boss.

Gulfstream Aerospace's notification quickly reached Fokker. Although Fokker was now under the control of Jaguar Security, this did not affect the issuance of the notification. When this notification was released, the whole of Europe was shocked and gasped. They were frightened by Gulfstream Aerospace's announcement. If they really did this, the price Gulfstream Aerospace would pay would be enormous. This was a complete transfer of the production line. Previously, only important equipment had been transferred, and the impact on the Fokker factory was not too great. As long as the workers compromised, production could be resumed quickly. But a complete transfer of the production line was a completely different story.

"Impossible. Those guys are threatening and intimidating us. They're trying to force us to accept their demands and make us compromise. If we compromise, we'll have no chance to resist anymore. We must persevere. As long as we don't compromise, those guys will compromise. I don't believe Gulfstream Aerospace can withstand such a huge loss. Relocating the production line is too costly and will have a significant impact on the development of the entire group. We are skilled workers and have a strong R&D team. We cannot compromise with them."

"We should discuss this with the authorities. After all, this is a big deal. If Gulfstream Aerospace really does this, the consequences will be severe. It's too much for us to bear such pressure alone. We need the help and support of the authorities!"

"That's impossible. How could the authorities possibly side with us directly? Doing so would have a terrible impact."

“Nothing is impossible. We don’t need direct official support. All we need is for the authorities to say they are paying attention to this matter. Besides, the authorities can make some noise on ASML. Don’t those guys have this idea? Let them take action. We can’t bear this pressure alone!”

"No way, you really believe those guys can succeed, and you believe the authorities will cooperate with them?"

“Why is that impossible? Asma said the workers have a huge production task. At this time, let the unions stand up and let the government issue a statement, and everything will be settled.”

“I’m worried something terrible will happen. I’m worried that if things go wrong, there will be no turning back, and it might even cause bigger trouble. All we want is autonomy, not a complete break with headquarters. I don’t trust what those guys say. I always feel there’s a danger in doing this, and things could spiral out of control!” “I know, but we’re already on the verge of disaster. Do you think we have any other choice? You know what headquarters has announced; they have no intention of compromising with us. This is our only way out. I don’t believe headquarters would really pay such a high price. Even if they were willing, the boss wouldn’t agree. It’s a huge loss. And ASML, they’re prepared, aren’t they? I believe there won’t be any problems!”

"Do you really believe those guys can cause trouble in Asmay? Do you really believe they can influence the authorities? How could the authorities possibly accept something this big? It would damage their reputation, and if things escalate, there would be no way to recover!"

"I believe you think these guys are very well prepared, even having Gulfstream's reaction under their control. Isn't this exactly what they told us before? As long as we persevere, we will definitely win and regain our autonomy, instead of being controlled by headquarters and having no freedom at all!"

Freedom, what a ridiculous notion. What right do they have to talk about freedom? Perhaps this is the stupidity of these guys. Without Gulfstream Space, they would probably be on the verge of bankruptcy by now. It is because of Gulfstream Space and the guidance of headquarters that Fogg has everything he has today. But these guys don't know how to be grateful at all. They insist on pursuing this so-called freedom. Do they really understand the market? In fact, they are just a bunch of self-righteous guys with limited understanding of the market.

Soon after, trouble broke out at ASML as well. The reason was simple: the union accused ASML workers of having too heavy a workload and demanded that ASML reduce their working hours and increase their wages. At this time, the Dutch government sided with the workers and the union, because what they needed was votes!

"It really came to this!" John sighed when he received Anne Malcasi's call. Although he had suspected it, he was still shocked when it actually happened. He didn't know what these guys were thinking, making such a stupid move at this time.

“Just as the boss said, ASML is in trouble. Those guys are deliberately targeting us. Should we retaliate now? But doing so would cause significant losses to the company and might even ruin our previous achievements!” At this moment, Anne Malkashi still had some worries. After all, this was a critical period for ASML, the beginning of a major sales boom for lithography machines. If they were to relocate, it would have a huge impact on ASML, even though they had made preparations in advance, there would still be considerable problems!

"We don't need to have any reservations about issuing the relocation order. Taiwan is already prepared, and their production costs are lower. As for manpower, it's not a big problem either; arrangements have already been made. It will only take a little time at most, and we can afford that cost. Even if we have to pay a higher price, we cannot accept such a threat. And if this happens once, it will happen again and again. As long as our enemies keep an eye on us, this is a threat, a hidden danger. Compared to Europe, Taiwan is much more under control, and such a thing will not happen!"

As John finished speaking, Anne Malcasi had no choice but to agree. After all, this was the big boss's idea, and Taiwan had indeed made preparations. Even if ASML's workers objected, or even if the R&D personnel left, John could not compromise. Even without these workers and R&D personnel, Bell Labs could bear this heavy burden. After all, John had always been on guard against the worst-case scenario, so ASML had always been cooperating with Bell Labs.

“Boss, if we really do this, it will have a huge impact in the short term, and it might even affect ASML’s orders. Should we talk to those guys and ask them to drop their demands, or even raise their wages a little?” At this point, Anne Malkashi still fulfilled her responsibility and continued to persuade her boss. In her opinion, this was too crazy, and there was absolutely no need to make things this way. Everything could still be discussed!

“No need. First it was Fokker, now it’s ASML, and you know who’s behind it all. Do you think this compromise is necessary? We can compromise this time, even at a small cost, to resolve the issue, but will that be possible next time? If we compromise, they’ll target us without restraint. Taiwan won’t face that situation. A single blow can prevent a hundred more. Even if it means huge losses, we have to bear it. You know how important the lithography machine is; we absolutely cannot allow any problems. Let’s begin. Don’t hold back. Even if we lose some profits in the short term, it’s acceptable!” John shook his head, completely distrusting those guys. When he discovered someone was targeting him, John knew he couldn’t compromise, or things would spiral out of control!
(End of this chapter)