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Strong unions look after workers rights, and the population is generally happy. However, the nature of the work is very hard, and provides employment for those that would not be employed elsewhere. This has at times lead to violent local disturbances.
Almost all workers are citizens of one of the planets in the 9 Star Combine, and have no desire to see Kruger leave the power bloc. Everyone knows that the wormhole makes their system a military target for any other power bloc that wanted to fight the Combine, so the military presence on Chrome and Decker is welcomed by all.
The entire Kruger 60 System is owned by EMC (Eastern Mining Company). All commercial matters are looked after at the local level by EMC representatives. On Jade (Kruger 60A-3), Rim (Kruger 60A-4), Magneto (Kruger 60B-1), Polar (Kruger 60B-3) and Before (Kruger 60B-4), communities are small and operate in isolation and government is not needed.
However, the populations of Chrome (Kruger 60A-1), Sinai (Kruger 60A-2) and Decker (Kruger 60B-2) are large enough that some form of government is necessary. EMC have appointed three planetary governors to look after the running of each of these planets and represent the populace. Although all three governors have the same pay-grade, the Chrome Planetary Governor viewed by Krugans as the most important of the three. Opinion differs over which of the other two governors has the lowest post as one represents a higher population and the other is in charge of Kruger's second largest starport.
The planets of Kruger 60 are viewed by The EMC as a workplace rather than a colony. The planets and system as a whole have no elected government. People that come to work in the system do not gain citizenship or any right of residency and legally remain citizens of the planet they come from. With strong unions to protect the workers rights, political parties are viewed as unnecessary by most workers. There are however groups with significant political views on Kruger 60:
Eastern Mining Company (EMC) - The mining company, themselves, have a lot of power in the region, and all of the non-government forces are directly or indirectly employed as contractors by EMC, including the civilian police force.
Political Reform Society (PRS) - This group is against the current political situation and its hidden military wing is a lot more aggressive.
Humanitarian Freedom (HF) - An independent political movement within the 9 Star Combine and other systems that seeks to report on all abuses of people and aims for all people to follow their 'social constitution'.
The Unions - The various unions are relatively powerful. As long as workers are well paid, receive good benefits and happily pay union subscriptions, they have no interest in changing things. They do not usually get involved in politics or invite people with strong political views to use their facilities to address their members. Mafia groups have infiltrated the unions and now control some of the larger ones. Officials within any union may be in the payroll of one of the families.
Terraforming Scientists - A small number of scientists, within the 9 Star Combine, have started a debate about the economic viability of melting some of Chrome's icecaps, to decrease the amount of heat it reflects and make the planet more habitable in the colder seasons. The have lobbied the Star Combine government, asking them to place a one percent 'terraforming research and development' levy on all EMC profits from the entire Kruger 60 System. (EMC's own scientists have produced their own reports, suggesting that global warming wouldn't start without a great amount of ice being melted, flooding the communities near Chrome's seas and risking a runaway effect that couldn't be stopped.)
There are several large families that control some of the larger unions. They tend to be involved in all forms of racketeering, drugs, money laundering etc. The families break down into various controlling factions. The mafia groups are not permitted to carry weapons.
The Galliano's - Recent investigations have shown that the dominant faction is the so called 'Galliano Family'. This large and powerful family have several secret bases scattered around Chrome where they equip their forces for special tasks. They use mercenaries for training purposes and for carrying out covert operations when they need to keep their identity secret.
The Kinshar's - One of the smaller groups with less influence than the 'Galliano Family'.
The Steele's - The second of the smaller families. The Kinshar's and the Galliano's are working together to wipe out the Steele's.
Although the mafia groups have all attempted to infiltrate the police they have a 'gentlemen's agreement' to not interfere with the navy or the monitoring stations. Drawing the attention of the Combine or any of the other power blocs would not be good for business.
The press is very liberal and there is no media censorship that is openly imposed. The main news group is 'NewsCaster', who have video, radio, and other forms of media distribution. They have a lot of freedom to go where they wish. Their main opponents are the mafia groups who do not want the press in their own areas.
For information on past events in the Kruger system read the historical timeline.