Letter | Myrtle Beach area service workers shouldn’t have to suffer to maintain appearances

Worker health more important than ‘looks’

I have been meaning to write for a very long time regarding an issue that has been disturbing to me.

I do much shopping of all kinds and eat at many restaurants in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area. While out and about, I almost always witness workers, especially cashiers and greeters, having to stand up consistently for eight hours and more with only short breaks.

I have seen these people, obviously in different degrees of pain, attempting to lean inconspicuously on something nearby or moving from one foot to another to shift the discomfort. I have talked to some about their situation, but it is obvious they dare not complain for fear of losing their minimum-wage jobs. Instead, they suffer silently with pain in their necks, backs, hips, knees, ankles, etc.

This type of treatment is unacceptable. I lived in Europe for many years where, in most cases, high stools and chairs were supplied to folks in these types of jobs. It disturbs me greatly to see workers - especially those are older and often overweight - having to stand so long simply because it “looks good” to customers.

American employers need to take a lesson from the Europeans and supply some comfort to their employees. I am sure the consumers would not mind and might actually respect the employers for doing so.

This story was originally published August 17, 2015 at 7:45 AM with the headline "Letter | Myrtle Beach area service workers shouldn’t have to suffer to maintain appearances."