Treat workers with respect

As an employee at Booster Juice in Penticton, I am faced daily with the worst of the world.

The people who decide to get up in the morning and yell at a 16-year old — I deal with them. The people who refuse to listen to me when I politely tell them that they entered the store using the exit door, I deal with them as well. The people who get all up in my space simply because they think they can — them too.

My employer, using a survey put out to all the staff, found that at least half of the employees felt more comfortable working with masks mandatory in the store.

Consequently, my employer continues to require customers to wear masks to make staff comfortable at work. As a result of the understandable precautions that my workplace has taken, I must deal with those who are unable to or choose not to wear a mask.

I do acknowledge that there are people that cannot wear a mask, and I realize that people forget their masks.

Nonetheless, what we are doing is neither discrimination nor is it illegal. We do have other options for service if you cannot wear a mask or do not have one, so please do not disrespect the staff. Verbal abuse is never tolerated, so if you must express yourself in a way that involves swearing, calling us terrible names or demeaning us in any way, we will ask you to leave.

Airing on the side of caution has brought out the worst in many people.

Imagine your favourite person at the age of 16. Imagine talking to them the same way you talk to me. I hope it makes you shudder and want to apologize. Furthermore, if you want your children to be honourable members of society, do not disrespect anyone in front of them. It will show them it is acceptable, and even good. I have seen parents swear at staff and tell us that they will leave if we do not comply with their every demand in front of their children.

Everyone is done with the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean it’s done with us. Let this past year be a reminder of the kindness that you showed to employees everywhere. We are all human, so treat us as such. Treat the people who serve you with kindness — make their day better. Mikayla Isted Okanagan Falls