Call for Respect for Retail and Fast Food Workers this Festive Season.
Over the last two years, during the union’s Safety Demands Action week, thousands of SDA members have told us that they have experienced customer violence and abuse in their workplace.
There is no excuse for customer abuse.
Thousands of retail and fast food workers are regularly subjected to customer abuse and violence while they are at work, and it’s not acceptable.
Last week the SDA launched an online survey asking all retail and fast food employees who have been subjected to customer abuse to share their experiences with the union.
We know customer abuse is widespread and we’d really like to hear from you about your experiences.
The SDA is also spreading the message online as customers need to be reminded that shops are also workplaces, all retail workers and fast food workers should feel safe at work, and protected from any form of violence or abuse perpetrated by customers.
This year we’re asking the public to remember what the festive season is all about – good will and generosity, which should be extended to customer service staff as well – there’s no excuse for abuse.
Customer violence and abuse not just a workplace issue but a health and safety issue, feeling stressed has irrefutable physiological impacts – so we’re asking people to keep their cool.
If you are impacted by customer violence and abuse at your work, make sure you report the incident to your employer.
For more information about any health and safety issue impacting on you at work contact us