Remember that catchy jingle from the 70's?
From thefreeonlinedictionary.com:
fa·ble (fbl)
n.
1. A usually short narrative making an edifying or cautionary point and often employing as characters animals that speak and act like humans.
2. A story about legendary persons and exploits.
3. A falsehood; a lie.
Union "brotherhood" is a Fable.
In "The City" it's definition #3.