How sad...

On our way home last night, we decided to drop by a Burger Machine stand here in our village. We wanted something to eat before calling it a night, but didn't want something that heavy to fill our stomachs. I ordered my long-time favorite - Roast beef. Surprisingly, it's back and is on a Buy One Take One promo. This sandwich I ordered brings back memories of when I started working years ago. I was fully stuffed with just a Roast Beef sandwich, an order of Sans Rival, and bottled water. Yes, I had his almost everyday for lunch or during my 15 min coffee breaks. Sad to say, it didn't taste like the ones available years ago. Disappointed with how it tasted, I let my husband have the Take One, and he let me have his Take one as well. Hehe. He got a Chili Burger, which I enjoyed.

While waiting for our orders, we engaged the attendant into a small conversation. I initiated that because I felt lonely seeing her all alone in that store. I thought her companion just went somewhere else or whatever, but NO. She was alone. Imagine that? Working in the wee hours of the morning, being a woman, dealing with customers, ALONE. Next to ask a question was my husband. He wanted to know if the pay is okay. She could have answered with a yes, okay lang, or a no. My husband didn't ask how much pay she receives out of courtesy and respect. We were shocked when she said "Php 286.00 per day lang po." WHAT?!?!?! I do not know anything about wages or anything that is mandated by law, but what I know is the amount she gets is below the daily minimum wage. Oh my!!! She said they only receive overtime pay but don't receive hazard pay, night differential, etc, as well. I felt sad. Actually, sad and mad. We asked about any insurances offered as a benefit. None! Couldn't the company at least purchase Wholesale insurance for their employees? She was asked if government mandated benefits were provided. Her reply,  "Wala po. Pero kelan lang po, hiningan kami ng SSS number." Hmm... Again, I am not saying if this is legal or not. But I think they should have that, at least. We felt that we had to stop. We felt bad. Asking more questions would make her feel sad, too.