Dressing down

With the serious labor issues facing Americans today — downsizing, outsourcing, part-timing and all the other oppressions bearing down upon working families — there might be something sillier than the protest some state Department of Human Services employees staged the other day against a new dress code.

Might be. We just haven’t heard of it yet.

To hear this militant few with too much time on their hands tell it, the new sartorial edict imposed by Commissioner Kevin Concannon belongs right next to the dictionary entry for “draconian” — no shorts, no jeans, no casual t-shirts, no sandals, no sneakers. The final straw of tyrrany surely is this: Wear socks.

Czar Kevin’s code actually doesn’t kick in until January, but the Maine State Employees Union organized the protests, including a mock inspection by some clown wearing a papier mache Gov. King head, in Biddeford and Bangor on Tuesday. Tuesday, presumably, because it was the closest workday to Labor Day. You know, the (paid) holiday to honor the struggles and accomplishments of our working men and women.

After all, why stand up for solidarity on your day off when you can do it on the taxpayer’s dime? Union (and Levis) Forever.

Apparently, this thankfully small number of casual militants is upset because the code applies just to DHS and not to all state workers. Why are they being singled out?

Here’s one reason: A lot of DHS clients are folks who have not been successful in the workforce. Perhaps it might be instructive if the person helping them, counseling them, serving them gives a subtle clue that showing you can make a distinction between the job and a Sunday afternoon cookout isn’t a bad idea.

Here’s another: Your boss has made a reasonable request. Do it. This isn’t the fifth grade, it’s real life. He’s not insisting upon white tie and tails. Spike heels are not de rigueur. Not even ties. You’re lucky you got off so easily.

And another: Most of your co-workers don’t mind looking reasonably sharp when representing Maine. Don’t embarass them or the state.

Finally: There are serious, important issues out there regarding labor. Don’t trivialize.

Want to wear shorts and sneakers to work? Join the NBA. Want jeans and T-shirts? We hear they’re hiring chum choppers down to Port Podunk. Want to work in an office?. Dress like an office worker. Now get back to work.