'This means completely turned off': Employer's autocratic cellphone policy goes viral

This worker started their new role and was — presumably — greeted with this autocratic cellphone policy. Photos of the policy were posted to Reddit's r/antiwork subreddit by the worker's girlfriend, Reddit user u/sleazycookies, where the policy then went viral — earning 40k upvotes in the few hours since their posting. The least popular aspects of the policy included the employer's promise to deduct wages for each offense. 

For some reason, certain workplaces believe that they own every moment of your time and just because they're paying you $10 an hour — minimum wage = minimum effort — if you're paying slave wages don't expect to be able to treat your workers like one.

The types of jobs that enforce these policies — looking at you, retail and service — are already some of the hardest jobs that you can possibly work. There's the famous anecdote that always comes to mind here for me of an office worker getting their (older) coworker a job at their side gig as a server and that coworker being shocked at how much work is required of them for so little pay. 

Retail and service jobs are HARD. They are demanding and EXHAUSTING. The dehumanizing bulls**t you're subjected to by both customers, and your employer only serves to rub salt in the wound.

Keep reading to see the full images that were posted, along with a transcription of the policy. Have you ever had to deal with something like this? Let us know in the comments.

_{via u/sleazycookies}

“Due to recent lapses in judgment regarding cell phone use at work, the following policy is now in place from this point forward: 

All cell phones must be kept turned off at work at all times. This means completely turned off so that the phone won't ring, vibrate or make any other noise or function in any way. This doesn't mean to just turn the screen off, this means that the entire phone must be completely powered off. Only ————— are permitted to use their cell phones while at work. Your cell phone must be completely out of sight. 

Ladies, keep them in your purses or bags or desks or counter. Men, keep them in your pocket or desk or the counter. I should not see a cell phone at all. 

You are not permitted to charge your cell phone at work. There is no need to charge it if you aren't going to use it. Charge it at home. 

If someone is observed by myself ——————y during work hours using their cell phone in any way, charging their cell phone or if a cell phone is in sight, the employee's wages will be reduced by $2 per hour for one month for the first occurrence. If there is a second occurrence, the employee will be fired for violating this cell phone policy. 

This is not a joke, and I suggest that you do not test this new policy's validity, as there is zero tolerance towards cell phone use at work. You are paid to work, not use your cell phone. If you think you can't find something to do, start cleaning the entire store. Then when you're done with that, start over cleaning the entire store. 

If someone needs to get in touch with you at work, give them the telephone number —————”

For more, check out this worker who left after they were denied water during their working interview.