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Post by Jason on Aug 30, 2010 18:00:55 GMT -7
Run by a council the Trade Union has rights for all trade shipments across galactic boarders. The Trade Union is made up of all known species in the Greater Galaxy and have members in every known Empire. Effectively they are an Empire unto themselves.
The Trade Union holds to very high and strict codes of conduct and those who break these codes are severely disciplined and imprisoned.
Members of the Trade Union NEVER discuss their cargo with anyone outside the shipper and receiver. When asked by customs, military or police they give a manifest and speak nothing else on it.
Members follow all laws of the Empire they are currently in. Members will do nothing illegal or can be seen as illegal in any Empire.
The Trade Union insures all cargo against theft, loss, or damage. This cost comes out of the pocket of the Captain and crew of the ship in question except in instances of pirates, to which the Union itself will cover the cost after a thorough investigation.
The Trade Union is headquartered on a 'moon' of the Scanlon Station and it's leaders frequently deal with the Ambassadors to set up shipping agreements and sit as witness at trade negotiations.
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Post by Jason on Aug 30, 2010 18:09:29 GMT -7
Empires have a right to not sign a shipping agreement with the Trade Union, but there have been instances of 'bullying' by Trade Union members on 'scabs', off the record.
Also most Empires will not trade with an Empire that does not use the Trade Union. The Trade Union is a very safe form of cross boarder trade. Their ships are fast and only in rare occasions do they ever travel alone preferring convoys for safety.
Trade Union members are charged with upholding the law, but have been known to do 'off the book' hauling. It is not uncommon for a ship to be riddled with smugglers holds. For the most part nothing illegal is moved, just highly sensitive materials that a client may not want authorities to know about. Some customs agents are known to look the other way, some need their palms 'greased', most will fine and ship and crew and send a report to the Trade Union and confiscate the offending shipment. The Trade Union will then again fine the ship and crew (whether this is for breaking the law or for getting caught is unknown to non Union members).
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