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Article created by: Shelly Fourer

Profit versus people is an age-old debate in which the latter doesn’t usually stand a chance. In capitalism, money is often the main concern of most corporations. Meanwhile, employees are viewed as an expense to be cut in order to make even more earnings. 

This sad yet true reality is often shared by people on the r/antiwork subreddit. We at Bored Panda have gathered some of the most bizarre notes and messages from workplaces that show how scary late-stage capitalism has become. From needing a doctor’s note to eat to taking employees' tips, scroll down to find instances where unemployment might sound more enticing than whatever these workplaces are offering.

While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with Darren A. Smith​​​​, chief executive officer of Making Business Matter, who kindly agreed to answer a few of our questions.

#1

I've Been Giving Employers A Piece Of My Mind

Text message conversation criticizing low wages offered by a company, highlighting issues with capitalism and poverty wages.

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    #2

    Over 14,000 California Disney Workers Authorize Strike

    Headline about Disneyland workers voting to strike over unfair labor practices highlighting capitalism issues.

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    #3

    Sad That People Need To Be Reminded Of This

    Sign taped to speaker urging respect for teenage staff, highlighting how ridiculous capitalism is getting in customer treatment.

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    #4

    And Some Have Super Yachts While Their Employees Are Drowning

    Chalkboard message illustrating inequality with boats, highlighting how capitalism creates uneven challenges in the same storm.

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    #5

    Makes Me Even More Mad If Possible. What Do You Think?

    Text post explaining how capitalism creates scarcity of free time to increase consumer spending and dissatisfaction with life.

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    #6

    We All Know About "Shrinkflation". Can I Coin The Term, "Trickflation"?

    Two 12 oz Coca-Cola cans side by side showing price increase as an example of ridiculous capitalism trends.

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    #7

    85 Degree Bakery Enabled Tips On Their Point Of Sale Devices. Tips Don’t Go To Workers; You’re Just Giving The Company More Money

    Sign instructing customers to skip tipping as company policy prohibits tips, highlighting the ridiculous capitalism practices.

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    #8

    Paramedic

    Sign offering an extra 10-minute break with strict rules, highlighting the ridiculousness of capitalism in the workplace.

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    #9

    Popular Sandwich Chain Had This Tip Sign

    Note about tipping policy written in red marker on paper at a restaurant register, illustrating ridiculous capitalism issues.

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    #10

    17-Year-Old Employee Ends Up In Er Before Scheduled Shift, Her Mother And Grandmother Both Call In On Her Behalf. Still Gets Fired For Not Personally Calling In.

    Text message showing employee terminated for not calling after submitting a doctor's note highlights ridiculous capitalism practices.

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    #11

    Am I Wrong To Be Irritated By This?

    Text message conversation showing a confusing work message illustrating how ridiculous capitalism is getting.

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    #12

    Boss Wrote “Thief” On My Check

    Close-up of a Santander Bank document with the word thief handwritten, highlighting ridiculous capitalism frustrations.

    "Filed a wage theft report against my former employer, was told he only paid 80% of what was owned, but I sucked it up. When I picked up the check at the Department of Labor, it had 'THIEF' boldly written on the subject line. Super awkward, unfair, and embarrassing, especially with others witnessing it. Is there anything that can be done?"

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    #13

    My House Burned Down Two Months Ago, And I'm In A Fight With The Insurance Company. My Neighbour Has Concerns

    Text message screenshot showing concern about a fire and questioning insurance coverage, highlighting ridiculous capitalism.

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    #14

    Employees Need A Doctor's Note To Eat At Work

    Notice about family meal cancellation at a restaurant highlighting ridiculous capitalism and strict employee rules.

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    #15

    Found On Facebook

    Yellow sign celebrating 90 million in sales with a cupcake offer, illustrating ridiculous capitalism extremes.

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    #16

    And This Is Just In One State

    Sign showing rent affordability requiring multiple minimum wage jobs highlights ridiculous capitalism issues.

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    #17

    Do I File A Wage Theft Claim?

    Text message exchange about delayed paycheck and denied kitchen tips highlights how ridiculous capitalism is getting.

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    #18

    This Sign Was Posted In A Popeyes Next To The Customer Restrooms

    Notice on a wall detailing strict performance reviews and demotion warnings, illustrating ridiculous capitalism.

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    #19

    My Husband Is An Repair Technician Working On Their Fridge

    Note on a door instructing delivery workers to only stay in the kitchen and not interact with pregnant wife, illustrating ridiculous capitalism.

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    #20

    Came Into Work This Morning To Find This Taped To The Wall. Boss Went On Tirade Against Me And Co-Worker Yesterday For Taking To Each Other With No Customers In The Store

    Office notice emphasizing work is not meant to be fun with a Minion meme, highlighting ridiculous capitalism practices.

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    #21

    Is This Allowed

    Notice from management warning employees about sick leave and late clock-ins, highlighting capitalism's absurd workplace rules.

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    #22

    Dollar General Management With An Inspiring Message To Staff

    Chair in store with a handwritten sign about sitting, illustrating how ridiculous capitalism is in retail policies.

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    #23

    We Got A New District Manager

    Workplace notice listing strict food restrictions and rules, highlighting the ridiculous capitalism limits on taking food home.

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    #24

    Injury At Work

    Bright green workplace injury notice instructing employees not to go to the hospital, highlighting ridiculous capitalism policies.

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    #25

    How Legal Is This?

    Handwritten sticky note warning that calling out during certain dates will result in immediate termination, highlighting capitalism issues.

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    #26

    A Note From Management When I Used To Work Here

    Workplace notice pinned on board about employee behavior and positive interactions, highlighting ridiculous capitalism demands.

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    #27

    Employer Complains On Facebook About Casual Employee Taking Time Off For Birthdays

    Screenshot of a message cancelling all requests and demanding staff availability, highlighting ridiculous capitalism issues in employment.

    TonyAbbottMHR Report