Executive Decision

Shirley – tea Lady excelsis.
In the age of re-branding –
rubbish collection as waste management
medicine as health care
food service as catering,
she called herself “the tea lady” – endearingly and resolutely.
Said,
“ I’ve been a tea lady 40 something years –
still making tea,
blowed if I’m going to call myself anything else.”

Ours was her best staffroom she said,
“I love working here, but with the kids gone
and getting my pension … the hours ” –
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
and
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
……….      “ I’m tied up all day, for half a day’s pay,
but I don’t feel ready to retire, just yet ….
oh listen to me, I should be grateful.”

She did listen to herself.
And,
had a friend,
who wouldn’t mind part, part-time either.
They will job share. Two weeks on, two weeks off,
and be each others locum.
A good deal for both. Effective immediately.

They tell the director
he is incensed :
“ I appoint staff, not the bloody tea lady.”
After,
whenever a notice appeared signed by the Director
within a day or two
the title beneath the signature would be crossed out … and replaced with Tea Lady.