Against the Odds: A Cold War Tale of Chocolate, Courage, and Loyalty behind the Iron Curtain by Marion Kummerow

Author:Marion Kummerow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marion Kummerow

CHAPTER 14

East Berlin, Early June 1953

Heated arguments flew back and forth across the room. Max grabbed the water jug on the table, poured himself a glass and downed it in one gulp.

“The workers are the backbone of our economy, but the government won’t listen to us.”

“Raised quotas or increased work hours is their only answer. As if it were our fault that the construction industry is behind schedule, when the actual reason is we’re lacking raw material, heavy machinery and whatnot.”

“We’re not going to break our backs for the ruling class anymore. This is not socialism! We have the same rights as those ministerial lackeys.”

“The SED must ease the conditions, or we’ll all die from exhaustion.”

“They will never agree to ease up,” shouted Wagner from the Builders Union.

“How is it possible that workers are facing economic hardships in spite of toiling harder than ever before and attaining higher production targets?”

“Everyone in the country suffers from shortages of essential goods, high prices, and poor living conditions. Something has to give.”

“My men are almost out of control. Every day is a struggle to keep them from rioting.” Schultz, representing the Saxonia builders, was literally pulling his hair out.

“Right. We need improved working conditions, especially better security. And higher wages.”

Max had been listening intently. Now he sensed the time had come to make a bold suggestion. He cleared his throat.

“All of you are right, and you know it. Our productivity targets are unattainable. We don’t have proper equipment. Deadlines are putting extra pressure on my builders. And the government doesn’t seem to take our grievances seriously.” He paused, eyeing each one of his union leader colleagues, before he said, “We must strike.”

In the ensuing commotion, he couldn’t understand a single word. Realizing just how bold his suggestion was, he opted to give them some time to consider it. After all, in the Soviet Union, to whom the SED looked for guidance in everything they did, workers never went on strike.

The – ridiculous – explanation was that the people were the state and thus would effectively strike against themselves, harming the very people they wanted to help. He’d never bought into the ideological garbage that came with socialism.

“We’ve already seen small protests and skirmishes,” Max said.

“Sure, but the authorities always shut them down quickly.”

“Because they were isolated. If we organize a coordinated action across the country, they won’t be able to do so.”

“That’s an interesting idea.” Schultz rubbed his chin, whereas Wagner shook his head. “A strike will only damage ourselves.”

“You don’t really believe that garbage, do you?” Max fixed his gaze on the older bull-necked man, who’d worked in construction all his life.

“I keep my head low. Haven’t made it through two World Wars and Hitler’s fascist reign by protesting,” Wagner grumbled.

“We’re living in a democratic republic though,” Schultz chimed in. “This isn’t a terror regime mowing down its own workers and farmers.”

Max fervently hoped Schultz was right. He’d suggested the strike despite a queasy feeling in his gut. The SED and their Soviet overlords weren’t exactly known to use kid-gloves on dissidents.

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