America’s stringent system of corporate capitalism keeps carving out new depths of worker exploitation. Take Chick-fil-A — a right-wing, Atlanta-based fast-food operation that likes to boast about following “biblically-based” principles.
Like slavery?
Well, Chick-fil-A hasn’t gone quite that Biblical yet, but one of its North Carolina franchises recently pioneered a novel labor compensation innovation that comes close: literally paying some workers “chicken feed.”
This outlet of the $11-billion-a-year chain recently called on area residents to “volunteer” for its new Drive Thru Express — but in lieu of wages, they were offering chicken sandwiches! Join the Express team and you’d be “paid” five chicken items per shift.
That worked out to less than minimum wage… plus indigestion.
What we have here is one more absurd illustration of the empty promise that you’ll get ahead if you just work hard enough, keep your nose to the grindstone, and stay loyal to the corporate order for life — no matter how vacuous.
But the game is up, for workers across the economy are now seeking more from life than 50 years of serving the company. They’re even organizing anti-workaholism groups like “I don’t want a career,” “Rest is Resistance,” and the “Nap Ministry.”
But don’t mistake this rebellion as mere satire by a few puckish slackers. Today’s nationwide shortage of workers from truck drivers to teachers is not a momentary economic blip, but a defiant declaration of independence from a form of work that is life-sucking.
People are not afraid of hard work, nor averse to long hours — if the task and the cause are worth both time and effort. And “worth it” is increasingly being measured in higher values than dollars alone.
Fair compensation means work that includes a sense of purpose, community, respect, fairness, and fun. In short, true worthiness… not a chicken sandwich.
—
Previously Published on otherwords
***
You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project
Compliments Men Want to Hear More Often | Relationships Aren’t Easy, But They’re Worth It | The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex | ..A Man’s Kiss Tells You Everything |
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community. A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities. A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.
Register New Account
Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.—
Photo credit: iStock