Manager's blunt message refusing to give employees breaks is shocking the internet

Many workplaces might not offer employees the most basic rights, making it difficult for them to do their best work. In several cases, it might even seem like a denial of basic human decency. In a similar scenario, a manager in Missouri posted a rude notice for employees complaining about the lack of breaks and implied that there were no laws in the state that made breaks mandatory. The notice was posted by u/ithinkiwanttodie55 on Reddit and people on the internet were completely shocked.

The notice taped on a wall read, "In the state of Missouri, breaks are not mandatory. We give them to help control labor!" The manager, Kimberley, added, "We also don't have to let you work any amount of time before we cut the floor, there is no guideline in Missouri!" She went on, "That being said, we have to give 15-year-olds breaks. So, I need everyone to understand that we are short on staff and lay off on the breaks. If we can give you a break, we will, but if we can't, stop the attitude!" The notice concluded, "From this week, there will be no set schedule for anyone. Thanks, Kimberley."

The caption to the post read, "Feel like this belongs here." According to Missouri Laws, companies are not required to provide any breaks to their employees. Decisions about a lunch break or any other breaks can be made according to the employer and the company's policy. These can be discussed at the time of drawing up contracts. However, several people in the comments section pointed out how the company should be giving breaks to people who have to work such long hours regardless of whether it has been made mandatory by the law or not.

u/Agent-c1983 wrote, "Dear Kimberley, If you’re short-staffed, do you think pissing off your staff in Missouri is a good idea in Missouri, or a bad idea in Missouri? Love, Someone thankfully nowhere near Missouri." u/yeetusthefeetus remarked, "Seriously. I know 'if you don't like it, just leave' doesn't always work but I swear if I saw this, I'd update my resume that night. "I update my resume just a little bit more every time my boss pisses me off. If things don't improve by the time it's ready, I might as well send it into some places." u/vitto1221 shared, "She's thinking like a manager, not a leader. There are so many different ways for Kimberly to handle whatever the issue is with breaks. As a leader, you find a way to give your people breaks under whatever circumstances you are dealing with. Same for scheduling." 

u/Maleficent-Process 16 commented, "Live in Missouri working a rather labor-intensive job. They are kind enough to allow us 2-10 minute breaks and 1-30 minute lunch. However, they don’t really offer any real place to actually take a break. Aside from it being rather labor intensive, it is also mainly outdoors. Weather is never allowed to impact workload. We are also short-staffed. It’s a chronic problem. Why? If any new employees, which are few and far between, are disliked for any reason by management, they are fired even if their performance is standard, etc. No attempt to coach or have flexibility so the position can stay filled. It’s treated like there are people lining up to fill the slot when it’s been vacant for several months."