ADVERTISEMENT

Everyone should be entitled to affordable food, healthcare, and homes. In short—everyone who works deserves to make ends meet without working themselves to death. That’s the main idea behind the r/WorkReform subreddit, a community of over half a million people who fight for a good quality of life for everyone and anyone who sells their labor.

Scroll down to check out some of the most powerful posts featured on r/WorkReform. Bored Panda got in touch with the moderator team at r/WorkReform who went into detail about the subreddit's history and mission. We also wanted to learn how to negotiate a good salary and work conditions, so we reached out to financial expert Sam Dogen, the founder of Financial Samurai and the author of ‘Buy This, Not That: How to Spend Your Way to Wealth and Freedom.’

#1

Burgernomics

Burgernomics

AbaloneSea7265 Report

Add photo comments
POST
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This should be higher up. How many times I have read the bs story of how higher wages will make a burger unaffordable (USA)... even some here on BP have said that.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"WorkReform began as an offshoot of another popular Reddit community examining labor issues. WorkReform is now part of an activist group of subreddits, including r/NewDealAmerica and r/SandersForPresident. NDA and SFP are more political. WorkReform is focused on improving living conditions for all working-class people," the r/WorkReform mods explained to Bored Panda.

They shared that the entire team is "100% all-volunteer" and take up the job because they believe in their cause. "Our primary moderation goal is to keep the working class community cohesive and supportive of each other. 'Divide and conquer' is the primary way workforces have been oppressed throughout history. When divisive efforts are kept in check, the community self-organizes to an amazing degree," they explained.

#2

Tweet

Tweet

QasimRashid Report

Add photo comments
POST
slomojojoe avatar
Jenny K Anderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate to upvote such dire statistics, but the point this BP makes is the point all others need to really understand. We can’t can’t ever change or improve a problem if we don’t truly “get” what the problem itself is made of.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

According to the mods, workers "do their best bargaining" when they're part of a united block. "This is why the richest people in the world spend so much effort on stopping unions. The billionaires understand that all value is created by human labor. They know organized labor is unstoppable. This is why you see Amazon attacking union organizers by having them falsely arrested," they explained why there's a lot of anti-union sentiment in some of the larger multinational corporations.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Organize with your fellow workers - together you are powerful!" they said. As for why employers don't want to see their workers earn fair wages and have good work conditions, it all comes down to "a culture of increasing short-term profitability at all costs."

The r/WorkReform movement is all about fairness and giving people of all wages access to the necessities of life. The group’s moderators shared a list of their beliefs, and odds are that you can get behind the majority (if not most) of them.

#4

Corrections

Corrections

regian24 Report

Add photo comments
POST
wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But but ...If I blame the rich then I'll have to share that responsibility one day when I'M rich. /s

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

There Is No Labour Shortage. Tax The Rich

There Is No Labour Shortage. Tax The Rich

MrsNezbit1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cue the : "Save the rich from paying taxes because they are basically all just as poor as a church mouse" believers.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

“People should not be worked to death. People should be paid a living wage for their labor. Income inequality and power inequality are the primary causes of social strife and lower living standards,” they write.

What’s more, the r/WorkReform mods believe that “workers must join together” to fight for what is “rightfully theirs.” They also urge workers not to be divided and conquered. “Workers gain the most when they focus on unifying issues,” they say.

ADVERTISEMENT

Among the subreddit’s goals are: fighting for better compensation, getting better worker representation in the workforce (that includes unions and more), getting better and fewer working hours. What’s more, they aim to support political campaigns that “put workers first.”

#7

A Positive Spin For Once!

A Positive Spin For Once!

Bigbigjeffy Report

#8

The System Needs To Change

The System Needs To Change

regian24 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

We Have Our Own Oligarchs

We Have Our Own Oligarchs

FaultyDrone Report

Add photo comments
POST
noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You mean a two party election where each party is a structured hierarchy, like a corporation, is not the best democracy?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Bored Panda got in touch with financial expert and author Sam, the founder of the Financial Samurai blog, to understand the nature of work negotiations better. He was happy to share with Bored Panda the main things to keep in mind when going to negotiate for a better salary, as well as better work conditions. In short, preparing for the negotiations is more than half the battle. And knowledge is power.

#11

Worker's Rights Are Human Rights (And Vice-Versa)

Worker's Rights Are Human Rights (And Vice-Versa)

TeacherYankeeDoodle Report

Add photo comments
POST
jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only people would really grasp the idea that if you invest in making a better life for everybody, you yourself benefit exponentially from that improvement.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

Truth

Truth

regian24 Report

Add photo comments
POST
wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But Mr Bank, to eat the food in the fridge I need to actually BUY food to put in the fridge.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

According to financial expert Sam, there are a number of things that you should keep in mind when going to talk about the future of your career with your manager or boss. The first thing to keep in mind is the current competitive market environment.

“Is your industry growing or shrinking?” Sam said that employees should ask themselves this so they’re prepared for the negotiations better. Doing your research, knowing what the general trends in the job market are like, are very powerful tools in your arsenal.

#13

“Just Get Another Job”

“Just Get Another Job”

B-L-O-C-K-S Report

Add photo comments
POST
septembermeadows avatar
September
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I met a veteran on public transit. Found out that he gets the same amount of income I do from the Veterans Administration. He lives in a tent behind the Salvation Army building. Says he prefers it so that he can have a little bit of spending money and can eat better food, that it would take his entire income to pay rent.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

We Do Not All Have The Same 24 Hours, That’s For Sure

We Do Not All Have The Same 24 Hours, That’s For Sure

B-L-O-C-K-S Report

According to the expert, the next thing that you should consider is how well your company is actually doing at the moment. He noted some things to consider: “Is your company's stock price doing well? If it's a private company, is it raising funding at higher valuations? Is company morale good? Are there more benefits?”

#16

Pilots Don't Get Paid During Boarding

Pilots Don't Get Paid During Boarding

Mary-Trustyn-Wise Report

Add photo comments
POST
noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why people charge $120 for simple tasks like fixing a leaky faucet. You're not just buying that 30 minutes of work. The worker has to get to your place, have the right tools and expertise.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#17

Whoops, My Bad. I Should Of Been Worse!

Whoops, My Bad. I Should Of Been Worse!

Bigbigjeffy Report

#18

Threaten Bankruptcy. Get Bailout. Executive Bonuses. Repeat

Threaten Bankruptcy. Get Bailout. Executive Bonuses. Repeat

hot Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9_1 avatar
DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is soooooo true. Bailouts are somehow always available when corporations need it but no when everyone else needs it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Then, you should move on to evaluating your own performance. You also have to take a look at how your colleagues are performing. Do your best to try and objectively pinpoint where you are results-wise relative to other workers. If you’re consistently overperforming, you should draw attention to that.

#19

All Power To The Workers

All Power To The Workers

PLEASE_BUY_WINRAR Report

Add photo comments
POST
noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well if you really compared, how the normal plebs are to the aristocrats as opposed to, the current day average employee to the "billionaires", then yeah. The wealth gap is really obscene these days, considering one person has the wealth equivalent to millions of people. I don't think lords owned millions of serfs back in the day.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Aoc: When We Say “Tax The Rich,” We Mean Nesting-Doll Yacht Rich. For-Profit Prison Rich. Betsy Devos, Student-Loan-Shark Rich. Trick-The-Country-Into-War Rich. Subsidizing-Workforce-W-Food-Stamps Rich. Because That Kind Of Rich Is Simply Not Good For Society, & It’s Like 10 People

Aoc: When We Say “Tax The Rich,” We Mean Nesting-Doll Yacht Rich. For-Profit Prison Rich. Betsy Devos, Student-Loan-Shark Rich. Trick-The-Country-Into-War Rich. Subsidizing-Workforce-W-Food-Stamps Rich. Because That Kind Of Rich Is Simply Not Good For Society, & It’s Like 10 People

The_Nerdology Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even people from outside the USA know that this is the problem that will never get solved because the rich simply won't allow it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Student Debt

Student Debt

regian24 Report

Add photo comments
POST
y_themptander avatar
YoyoSthlm
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Education here in Sweden is (usually) free and you can take a loan from the state without any interest (except for inflation) so you don't have to work while you're studying. Also, if you can't find a job after you finish your education you can postpone paying back your loan for a maximum of five years. Yes, we pay more in taxes, but this helps the whole society in the end.

View more commentsArrow down menu

“Everything is relative in terms of performance. You should be paid based on how well you do and if you are outperforming your peers,” financial expert Sam pointed out to Bored Panda that you have to look at performance in broader terms than just how you are doing as though you were in a vacuum. Performance, after all, is relative.

#22

Bernie Sanders Calls Out Chipotle Which Keeps Increasing Prices Citing Cost Increases In Labor ($0.50 Pay Increase?!), Freight, And Food Costs When It’s Profits And CEO Pay That Have Gone Way Up

Bernie Sanders Calls Out Chipotle Which Keeps Increasing Prices Citing Cost Increases In Labor ($0.50 Pay Increase?!), Freight, And Food Costs When It’s Profits And CEO Pay That Have Gone Way Up

irvmtb Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#24

This Recruiter Gets It. A Simple Couple Thousand Dollar A Year Raise Would Have Saved That Employer Major Headache

This Recruiter Gets It. A Simple Couple Thousand Dollar A Year Raise Would Have Saved That Employer Major Headache

BeeeRick Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't it strange how businesses think that the law of supply and demand should not apply to them when it comes to hiring people so the government should step in hunt all those lazy shïts down who refuse to work for $7.25 per hour?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Finally, you should keep in mind how long you’ve worked at the company. Ironically, employees who have worked longer don’t necessarily get better conditions or wages.

“The longer you are at the company, ironically, the less you get paid compared to the market. Therefore, you need to consistently speak up for yourself each year as new employees join with higher and higher pay packages,” Sam said. You can read some of his tips on how to get paid and promoted faster right over here.

#25

The Great Resignation Is Here And The Once Glorious Concept Of “Company Loyalty” Is A Thing Of The Past

The Great Resignation Is Here And The Once Glorious Concept Of “Company Loyalty” Is A Thing Of The Past

theguywhosteals Report

#26

And Some Have Super Yachts While Their Employees Are Drowning

And Some Have Super Yachts While Their Employees Are Drowning

Boltied Report

#27

Cut Back On Toast People

Cut Back On Toast People

FaultyDrone Report

Add photo comments
POST
acjama avatar
jammer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Failing implies attempt at the opposite, and because there hasn’t been any, I’d say ”failed” is not the correct F-word for that last sentence.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

So, dear Pandas, which of these r/WorkReform posts got you thinking the most? What do you personally think is stopping employers from giving all of their employees a fair wage for their labor and giving them access to decent working conditions? What do you think it would take to eradicate poverty and exploitation? Share any thoughts that you might have in the comments.

#28

" As Long As The Cash Rolls In, Who Cares!?"

" As Long As The Cash Rolls In, Who Cares!?"

regian24 Report

Add photo comments
POST
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Energy companies should be government regulated to avoid this. It sounds a bit radical but having your people (voters and tax payers) freeze to death because of corporate greed is terrible.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

There’s Now Way This System Won’t Lead To A Massively Unstable Society If Nothing Is Done To Fix It

There’s Now Way This System Won’t Lead To A Massively Unstable Society If Nothing Is Done To Fix It

FreehealthcareNOWw Report

#30

I Feel This

I Feel This

Advi0001 Report

#31

Grocery Bill Skyrocketing

Grocery Bill Skyrocketing

NotEnoughOblivion Report

Add photo comments
POST
abdk333 avatar
K Witmer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For a year I've spent 200$ a week on groceries and since January I've been getting roughly 2lbs less of everything for the same amount of money. Thank god it's only three of us and we grow a lot of our own food in the summer. Vegetables fruit and fish have really gone up. Even the crappy junk food. My daughter and I make our own oat milk now bc it sells out so quick too

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Eat The Rich…

Eat The Rich…

jmoyles Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#33

This Is Happening Right Now. Watch As The Narrative Changes In Real Time

This Is Happening Right Now. Watch As The Narrative Changes In Real Time

WaffleHouseOfficiaI Report

Add photo comments
POST
dolly_ofthecowboy avatar
Dolly_of TheCowboy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly what happened here in Australia in NSW. The justification for hammering down the well overdue pay rise from the politicians "if we give it to them the rest will want one and we can't have that happening". Why not? Every time the civil serpents in Canberra get a pay rise the politicians give themselves one too and vice versa. Major rises above inflation with NO productivity or condition reduction offsets. Usually annually if not more often. Yeah "selfish crazy unions" indeed

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

Not Freaked Out By UFO Sightings

Not Freaked Out By UFO Sightings

regian24 Report

Add photo comments
POST
michelleotto_1 avatar
Mattewis88
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im hoping they put us in play-pens like puppies so other aliens can come and adopt us.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

I Hope Humanity Becomes More Humane

I Hope Humanity Becomes More Humane

B-L-O-C-K-S Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's no scarcity. There's just rich people telling poor people that other poor people are out to take their jobs. So poor people are fighting each other over the crumbs that rich people drop. Divide and conquer.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Employment And Healthcare Have Nothing To Do With Each Other. Tying Them Together Was Just A Scam To Force People To Work For Lower Wages And Make A Handful Of People Extremely Rich

Employment And Healthcare Have Nothing To Do With Each Other. Tying Them Together Was Just A Scam To Force People To Work For Lower Wages And Make A Handful Of People Extremely Rich

kevinmrr Report

Add photo comments
POST
paulmacdonell avatar
Paul Macdonell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The USA spends more money per capita on just Medicaid and Medicare than the other G8 countries each spend for their entire Universal Health Care programs. Also, except for Russia, USA has the lowest life expectancy of that group.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

How Much Longer Can This Last?

How Much Longer Can This Last?

GrandpaChainz Report

Add photo comments
POST
jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All empires fall. All of them. The Roman, the British, and the American empire will fall too.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

And Rachel Never Got The Fashion Job Because No Places Hire Without Experience

And Rachel Never Got The Fashion Job Because No Places Hire Without Experience

throwawaymycareer93 Report

Add photo comments
POST
strayeivor avatar
Damon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The 90s were a golden period for sure. Although if you wanted a slice of kitchen sink realism from that time you could just watch Roseanne

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Lobby Of An Office Building. Nothing Like Reminding Your Employees Why They Hate Being There So Much As Soon As Walk In

Lobby Of An Office Building. Nothing Like Reminding Your Employees Why They Hate Being There So Much As Soon As Walk In

_njhiker Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's like asking : Are you ready for your vacation? on the first day after your vacation. ( For Americans: Vacation= 4 weeks of paid annual leave without having to fear that your job is gone when you return to work.)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.