An Australian cafe owner has been panned after admitting he wants staff to wear red stickers to signal they’re on their period.
While appearing on the Kyle and Jackie O show, the cafe owner named Anthony said he came up with the wild proposal after revealing he was having problems with female staff that were ‘emotionally stressed and hormonal’.
He said a specific issue arose between two staff members, which unfolded in front of customers.
As a solution, Anthony decided it would be best for employees currently on their period to wear a sticker to notify other staff members that they need a bit of 'understanding or space’.
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He said: “It’s very difficult for guys to understand when someone’s going through a bit of a rough patch.”
He added: “So in order to avoid that, we thought it would be a good idea to wear a red sticker if you’re going through a period and just need a bit of understanding or space.”
Radio host Kyle, who seems to be a master of dealing with sensitive topics (especially ‘women’s issues’), proceeded to ask the cafe owner if the size of the sticker would indicate what ‘we’re dealing with’.
Hey, here’s an innovative idea; how about people just get better at reading the room and picking up on social cues? Would you also like us to wear a bib to indicate we’re hungry?
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Jackie O, who seemed quite confused by the initiative, asked Anthony: “Wait so, you actually want your female staff to wear a sticker that is letting staff know that they’re having their period?”
Anthony then likened the red sticker to how new drivers must wear L-plates.
But Jackie slammed the business owner's idea as ‘humiliating’ for women, citing that they should not be forced to inform colleagues about their menstrual cycle, let alone customers.
However, the criticism didn’t stop there. Many callers also weighed in on the sexist concept.
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One caller said: “Anthony mate, seriously you’re a misogynist hardcore dude, you’ve got mummy issues.”
While another ripped into Anthony, calling him a d**kward.
How about whenever business owners come up with a discriminatory idea, they’re given a red sticker? And like baseball, three strikes, and you’re out.
HR, I hope you’re writing this down.
Charisa Bossinakis