A silver lining to a horrible experience for SDA member Wendy from Woolworths.
Wendy was spat on by a customer that had been banned from the store for stealing.
After Wendy had politely asked the customer to leave the store, the customer began getting abusive. Wendy called security over the PA for assistance when the customer had spat on her.
Wendy was very shocked and shaken up as she never thought she would experience this kind of behaviour.
No-one should have to experience this.
The customer has now been charged with a criminal offence and in jail for spitting on Wendy with the new laws implemented. Behaviour including swearing, yelling, hitting, spitting and threatening behaviour is now a criminal offence.
As of 29 June 2023, an individual can receive:
- A four-year jail term for anyone convicted of assault, throwing a missile, stalking, harassing or intimidating retail workers while on the job, even if no physical harm is caused;
- A maximum six-year jail term for offenders who physically harm employees while at work;
- A maximum 11-year jail term would be levelled at offenders who cause grievous bodily harm.