Everywhere in Canada the majority of employees working as cashiers and retail are not allowed to sit. Buisnesses claim it looks unprofessional and "lazy". They claim that it affects speed of service.. But is the one second a person takes to stand up from a stool really affects "speed of service?" And we have to ask ourselves, Is this reasonable? Is this humane?! People end up with back problems and foot problems due to prolonged periods of standing. Employees are not even allowed to lean against a wall or on counters, they are expected to work 8+ hour shifts with no right to sit whatsoever! Even if employees obtain a doctor's note, alot of employers can say it's unreasonable and override it claiming it causes undue hardship on the business. 

Medically speaking, yes, sitting for prolonged periods of time is unhealthy and is linked to obesity, increased blood pressure, increased cholestrol levels and cardiovascular disease. However, research shows that standing for 4-5 hours at a time increases the risk of cardiovascular disease more than those who sit. This is because gravity causes pooling of the blood in your legs and thereby increasing the pressure on your body to pump blood back up to your heart from your legs which in turn causes strenous work on the heart subjecting it to cardiovascular disease. 

On the other hand, all over Europe, Cashiers all have stools. It looks professional and they are able to perform their jobs in a much more productive way; sitting down does not affect the business at all. So much time and effort is exerted trying to acquire the "appearance" of strong work diligence that often the actual worker become overworked and stressed decreasing the overall efficiency and productivity and unfortunately taking a toll on their health.

If the problem is a small work area not allowing enough space for a stool, then businesses need to start creating larger workspace in order to accomodate workers with disabilities, elderly that are still working in order to make a living, and those that require a stool in general. 

It's time for Canadians to stand up for what is right! It's cruel and unfair for people to be treated this way. Do the right thing and let's make a change in Canada!!