Growing Customer Abuse This Christmas Prompts Union to Urge Respect

Angry customers abusing shop workers is a concerning trend, leading a retail union to ask for respect. A survey revealed 87 percent of workers were verbally abused by a customer in the past year, with 76 percent facing regular abuse compared to 54 percent in 2021. Shop, Distributive, and Allied Employees Association (SDA) National Secretary Gerard Dwyer said despite the seasonal stress, there was no justification for abusing workers. “This Christmas season, make sure to stay calm and show kindness to workers and fellow shoppers,” he said, adding no one should fear abuse at work. “Abuse only leaves workers feeling intimidated and cornered.” More women (19 percent) than men (9 percent) experienced abuse, according to the SDA survey. ...