Work Ethics - Not so much!

I went to Bangalore for my December vacation from Chicago. A lot has changed in the city that I had grown up. Old beautiful houses of Bangalore were being broken down and replaced with beehive apartments. Increased population has resulted in more pollution and the ever frustrating traffic seemed to have gotten worse. On either sides of the wide roads, where trees once stood to provide shade, now had cars packed in a line. In spite of all the impending issues, Bangalore still is my favorite city as it’s my hometown. I ensured that I had CTR Benne Masala Dosa and Loki’s Sai Ram Chats every time I visited home. Couple of weeks of vacations flew by as I spent quality time with family and friends.

I arrived at Bangalore airport to depart to Chicago. I checked my bags, got my boarding pass and cleared security. Soon after immigration was completed, I decided to freshen up and went to the ladies washroom. Bangalore International Airport was kept very clean. I saw a lady who worked at the airport sitting on the floor in the washroom. I went in and washed my hands and started a casual conversation with her. I mentioned that the bathroom was very clean and she thanked me. I asked her if she was expected to sit in the washroom and clean it regularly. She said that they didn’t let her sit down at work, and to take around 5 minutes of rest she had come to the washroom as her superiors wouldn’t bother her there. Such is the sad state of affairs for women who are working at airports! In order to get couple of minutes rest, she had to sit in the restroom.

This situation needs to be addressed – Women or men who work in standing jobs should be allowed to take rest every 2 hours or so. They should be able to rest and sit down in a resting area and not in the bathroom!