Paystub from a US coal miner in 1942. Ends up owing his employer $1.84 ($35.76 in 2023) at the end of the pay period. - eviltoast

What do we call this? Early stage capitalism? What the Western world is on track to return to? Forshadow capitalism?

This is when miners were paid in company currency and lived in company houses and shopped at a company store.

    • maegul (he/they)@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      “St Peter don’t you call me 'cause I can’t go, I owe my soul to the company store

      … That line still low-key blows my mind.