Secretaries, the unsung workers

THE EDITOR: Now that Secretaries Week is once again upon us, as a retired/tired typist I would like to recognise all the hardworking typists/data entry clerks or whatever they are referred to in their workplace. This class of worker hardly ever gets the kudos, attention, appreciation that is deserved. Having worked in the insurance, financial and other fields for over a period of 30 years, I can sympathise with these workers who perform a multitude of tasks but are never paid what is their due (in most organisations.)

They are the ones who normally open the mail, distribute it, type most of the offices’ correspondence and have to deal with bad, illegible handwriting, irate customers. With the coming of the computer age it seems like people who write letters to various organisations, etc look for the smallest font in which to do so. So the poor typist gets a lot of eye strain. To those organisations who have these endangered species in their employ, I plead with you to appreciate them on Secretary’s Day with maybe lunch, chocolate, stop by their desk and give a little thank you (other members of staff could do the same) because this worker should be deserving of such, together with at least the benefit of vision care and a salary of not less than $3,300 per month. This is not a worker who should be working for minimum wage, as is the case in many organisations.

I remember when I worked in a lawyer’s office, typing legal briefs, etc, my salary was so small even though my boss had a lot of high-paying influential clients, and I understand not much has changed in this quarter. Someone who sits at a typewriter or computer all day (especially a computer) should be allowed at least seven minutes off that chair every hour to stretch legs, rest eyes, etc. How many bosses know this? How many typists/operators know this? Demand your rights, including a living wage right now. Form yourselves into an organisation. So to all the typists, data input operators, etc (or whatever you are referred to in your place of work), on Secretary’s Day, pat yourself on the back because you more than deserve it. I sincerely ask your appreciative bosses to buy you flowers, take you to lunch or better yet give you a raise I know you deserve.

BRIANNA WELLS
Bonne Aventure