"The books" in this case are likely referring to local employment laws. They are doing the bare minimum required, all that other stuff is window dressing on a

"The books" in this case are likely referring to local employment laws. They are doing the bare minimum required, all that other stuff is window dressing on a shit job, and it is pretty clear that nobody takes it seriously or really gives a shit. Can you blame them? I doubt the local managers are raking in the dough either. You show up and do as you are told and get paid, or you don't work there. It is not great, but it is not illegal or egregiously unfair.