Exhausted Woolworths worker breaks down in tears at the checkouts after being abused by rude customers and is comforted by a customer
- A picture has emerged showing a Woolworths employee breaking down in tears
- The worker was in tears after she was treated poorly by customers in stores
- She was pictured being comforted by a shopper in the self-serve checkout
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A picture showing a Woolworths employee breaking down in tears is a heartbreaking insight into the impact coronavirus induced panic-buying is having on supermarket staff.
Australia’s supermarket chains have all imposed strict rationing measures to curb panic-buying as they struggle to keep up with the soaring demands in recent weeks.
And this photograph shared on Facebook showing an exhausted worker in tears at the self-serve checkouts after she was treated horribly by rude customers sums up the anguish felt by staff at Australia’s supermarkets.
One woman who shared the image demanded customers to get a ‘reality check’.
A picture of a Woolworths employee breaking down in tears has offered a heartbreaking insight into the impact panic-buying is having on supermarket workers amid coronavirus
‘These poor workers are being brought to tears because of the way people are treating them, blaming them and abusing them for something they have no control of,’ one woman said.
‘They’re humans just like the rest of us, trying to make a living, trying to do the best job they possibly can for everyone at the moment.
‘Before you look for someone to blame for all of this mayhem, maybe try and think about the fact that these people are just trying to do their jobs and don’t need to be abused every 10 minutes just because Woolworths and Coles is out of stock.
‘Be a decent human in these time you never know what someone is struggling with in their lives and you’re abusing someone over not being able to buy three packets of pasta or some toilet paper.’
Many described the incident as ‘disgusting’, ‘sickening’ and ‘unacceptable’ while other retail workers also shared their stories of being rudely treated by customers.
‘Walked into Woolworths wearing my Kmart uniform and got yelled at because they didn’t have toilet paper. Even though I didn’t work at Woolworths,’ one woman said.
A second said: ‘As a retail worker for Dan Murphy’s, we are classed as “essential”. We didn’t ask for this pandemic. We certainly didn’t ask for sh***y customers who can’t buy their bottle of Gossips and Bowler’s Run. Definitely blessed to have a job still.’
A third said: ‘This is horrible. These poor workers are just trying to do their best. They don’t have control over anything that is going on. They are there just to get your items through for you to pay. Please show some extra kindness to all retail staff, especially those working in the supermarkets at the moment.’
And another said:’So sorry these hard working people are being disrespected. What is wrong with people, can they show some respect to theses people. Disgusting behaviour.’
Leading supermarket chains have imposed strict rationing measures to curb ‘panic-buying’ as they struggle to keep up with the soaring demands in recent weeks
Others said if shoppers need to take their anger out on someone, they should do it to the panic buyers and hoarders who have been clearing out the shelves.
An employee who works for Woolworths supply chain praised the workers for being on the ‘frontline’ during this difficult time.
‘Massive appreciation to all staff, some of whom are 15 to 18, putting in massive efforts and dealing with unspeakable behaviour, you are the true embodiment of the “everyday hero”,’ he said.
Another Woolworths employee said she was only 30 minutes into her shift when her store was forced to call security and police.
‘Half an hour into the day and we already had to call security and the police. Enough is enough guys. Treat each other with respect. We are just doing our job,’ she said.
Hundreds of shoppers thanked the supermarket workers for working long hours to keep up with the high demand of essential items.
‘I take my hat off to the people working for Woolies, Coles and Aldi. Would be bloody tough at the moment. And it’s no ones fault that stores are out of stock. They’re all trying their best,’ one said.