The concept in this country is to tough it out. Elderly have a lot to offer, the companies aren't getting the concept. Allowing them to sit at a register (not meaning slouch in a chair) intermittently would be fair and give them the energy to fulfill the required hours.
I'm wondering if this is addressed in the AD Act. I guess it would depend on whether all older people are classified as disabled, which I think is a stretch, especially for ones like ex-Pres. Bush who can skydive (well, only once, I think).
However - I worked in retail management for a long, long - long time. Too long.
First, there are a lot of different types of retailers. There is a world of difference between someone who works the register at a grocery store and someone who is one of two employees at a small specialty store. So here goes- off the top of my head:
If you allow it for one person - unless they have a documented disability- you have to allow it for everyone.
There is a worry that after ringing up a customer the employee will continue to sit when there are a dozen other things that need doing.
It is a way to force out someone who just isn't up to the job any longer.
Not pretty. Not fair. Not compassionate. Retail is a tough business. I once had a regional manager tell me to fire a store manager who was very good at her job. The regional thought she looked "cheap".
"Not (store name) material".
I hadn't really thought about this but I do see this in one of the chain grocery stores in this area.
I wonder if AARP would publicize this issue and offer some support?
A suggestion from a customer is going to go a lot farther than a complaint from an employee.
I notice that Target also allows checkers with disabilities to sit. A couple at my store are in wheelchairs. One of the reasons I am loyal Target shopper. Stuff like that means a lot to me, it might be me one day!