162
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.
(lemmygrad.ml)
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.
"Haul ten tons, and what do you get? Another day older, and deeper in debt."
"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.