Hollister
– How did you spend your Labor Day? Were you on the lake, at a
park or having a barbecue in your own backyard? And how much time
did you spend thinking of those poor souls for whom Labor Day just
meant more of the daily grind?
Hollister – How did you spend your Labor Day? Were you on the lake, at a park or having a barbecue in your own backyard? And how much time did you spend thinking of those poor souls for whom Labor Day just meant more of the daily grind?
“It’s not so bad, but I’d rather be at the beach,” said Pedro Lopez, a manager at Payless Shoes. “But the only day we’re closed is Christmas.”
While virtually every storefront situated along San Benito Street was closed for a well-deserved holiday, scores of Hollister employees put on a grin and reported for work Monday.
“I don’t get jealous (of people who have the day off),” said Veronica DeLeon, who owns the local Baskin Robbins ice cream franchise. “I’m glad there are lots of people here, and I want to be here – it means more money.”
Working during a holiday is something almost everybody endures at one point or another, and for many in Hollister’s workforce, the experience was hardly novel.
“I worked on Christmas, Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving,” said Pat Smith, a shift leader at Blockbuster. “And we opened early during Christmas. So this doesn’t really bother me.”
“I worked every single holiday last year,” chimed in one of Smith’s coworkers.
For those businesses that did stay open on Labor Day, business was reportedly brisk. The day off left most residents free to enjoy a day of shopping or a meal out.
“We’ve had people coming in all day, usually in big groups,” DeLeon said. “But the customers are all pretty nice and easy to get along with, so it’s fine.”
The pain of working through a holiday was lessened, for some, by the fact that it ensured extra money. Most companies offer time and half or time off later in the week for employees who go the extra mile on a holiday.
“I actually asked to work today,” said Mariana Abonce, a Payless sales rep. “I don’t mind it at all.”
Workers were even able to keep themselves amused Monday, many said, or at the very least busy and productive.
“I can always keep myself entertained by making loud noises or talking to my wonderful coworkers,” Smith said. “And there’s always something to do.”
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or ds****@fr***********.com.
