Monday 9 December – Shoppers are being urged to keep their cool and respect workers when they do their Christmas shopping this holiday season.
The call from the SDA – the union for retail, fast food and warehouse workers – comes as recent research shows that one in three retail workers in Australia and New Zealand are considering leaving their job due to theft and violence.
SDA National Secretary, Gerard Dwyer said that the Christmas period is a notoriously bad time for customer violence and abuse against workers but that workers have a right to a safe workplace.
“Christmas can be a stressful time, but there’s never any excuse for abuse or violence in our shops,” Mr Dwyer said.
“We wish we didn’t have to remind the public to use basic decency when engaging with staff as they do their Christmas shopping, but unfortunately the numbers tell us that we do.
“The currently high cost-of-living is no doubt contributing to increased social tension, but that’s no excuse for hostility, abuse and violence, which can have lasting impacts on workers’ mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
“No one should have to fear for their safety just for doing their job.
“We urge all shoppers to treat retail staff as they would like to be treated this holiday season and at all times; with respect,” said Mr Dwyer.
In 2023, a survey by the SDA of over 4500 of their members found that 1 in 10 fast food and retail workers had been physically abused in the past year, with theft, supply chain shortages and long wait times being the key drivers.
Media contact – Maria Kelly (0432 049 034)