Coles supermarkets have doubled down on their strict anti-shoplifting policies, but this time the crackdown is affecting their own employees.

The retail giant has begun enforcing compulsory bag checks on staff when they finish shifts, claiming it will reduce theft. However, many are questioning the effectiveness and ethics of the controversial new policy.

This latest move builds on Coles' increasingly hardcore stance against shoplifting in their stores. Previously, they have introduced CCTV monitoring and equipped employees with body cameras—all in the name of stopping thieves.

Is Coles in the wrong here? Image source: Shutterstock.

But with the rising cost of groceries in a time of economic uncertainty, it seems Coles cannot trust its own workers. Employees must submit their personal bags for inspection when clocking off, or they risk being fired.

The change removes the previous policy where staff were only searched if specifically suspected of stealing. Critics argue that routinely checking everyone is ‘overkill’, especially as Coles employees are already among the lowest paid in Australia.

'The reason they are bag checking is because they know that their own workers are forced to think about stealing because they can’t afford food,' said Josh Cullinan, a representative of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.

The irony is that if Coles paid staff better wages, they'd be less incentivised to steal in the first place. Some have called out Coles for suspecting theft from workers they intentionally underpay. Especially as Coles was called out in June for underpaying staff by $25 million.

Coles maintains that compulsory checks are an industry standard practice, but some see it as profit-driven paranoia gone too far.

'I’m sure this has always been a thing? I worked for Coles as a teenager, and we would show our bags on the way out,' said one ex-employee, questioning if the policy is even ‘new’.

Whatever the case, Coles is determined to crack down on stealing from all sides. With Australians suffering rising costs of living, Coles apparently needs to squeeze every cent of profit it can.

The same profit-first mentality led to Coles shamefully being awarded a 2023 'Shonky Award' by consumer group CHOICE for 'cashing in during a cost-of-living crisis'.

Alongside fellow supermarket giant Woolworths, Coles earned condemnation for making over $1.1 billion in profit last year while raising prices on struggling consumers. Their unethical greed left a bad taste in Australians’ mouths.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has implemented bag checks on staff members completing their shifts in an effort to combat shoplifting.
• The policy, introduced last year, can see workers fired if they refuse to have their bags inspected.
• According to the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union, the new policy stems from the high cost of groceries, leading to concerns staff may be tempted to steal.
• Despite criticisms and scrutiny over various issues, a spokesperson for Coles insists that this bag check policy is a standard practice across the entire retail industry.

While retail theft is undoubtedly an issue, perhaps Coles should reflect on its own actions first. What do you think, members? Do you think it’s standard practice for employees' bags to be checked after work? Or if Coles is underpaying its staff, should they be looking at their own actions? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

 

[Jest]

Coles supermarkets have doubled down on their strict anti-shoplifting policies, but this time the crackdown is affecting their own employees.

The retail giant has begun enforcing compulsory bag checks on staff when they finish shifts, claiming it will reduce theft. However, many are questioning the effectiveness and ethics of the controversial new policy.

This latest move builds on Coles' increasingly hardcore stance against shoplifting in their stores. Previously, they have introduced CCTV monitoring and equipped employees with body cameras—all in the name of stopping thieves.

View attachment 33945

Is Coles in the wrong here? Image source: Shutterstock.

But with the rising cost of groceries in a time of economic uncertainty, it seems Coles cannot trust its own workers. Employees must submit their personal bags for inspection when clocking off, or they risk being fired.

The change removes the previous policy where staff were only searched if specifically suspected of stealing. Critics argue that routinely checking everyone is ‘overkill’, especially as Coles employees are already among the lowest paid in Australia.

'The reason they are bag checking is because they know that their own workers are forced to think about stealing because they can’t afford food,' said Josh Cullinan, a representative of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.

The irony is that if Coles paid staff better wages, they'd be less incentivised to steal in the first place. Some have called out Coles for suspecting theft from workers they intentionally underpay. Especially as Coles was called out in June for underpaying staff by $25 million.

Coles maintains that compulsory checks are an industry standard practice, but some see it as profit-driven paranoia gone too far.

'I’m sure this has always been a thing? I worked for Coles as a teenager, and we would show our bags on the way out,' said one ex-employee, questioning if the policy is even ‘new’.

Whatever the case, Coles is determined to crack down on stealing from all sides. With Australians suffering rising costs of living, Coles apparently needs to squeeze every cent of profit it can.

The same profit-first mentality led to Coles shamefully being awarded a 2023 'Shonky Award' by consumer group CHOICE for 'cashing in during a cost-of-living crisis'.

Alongside fellow supermarket giant Woolworths, Coles earned condemnation for making over $1.1 billion in profit last year while raising prices on struggling consumers. Their unethical greed left a bad taste in Australians’ mouths.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has implemented bag checks on staff members completing their shifts in an effort to combat shoplifting.
• The policy, introduced last year, can see workers fired if they refuse to have their bags inspected.
• According to the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union, the new policy stems from the high cost of groceries, leading to concerns staff may be tempted to steal.
• Despite criticisms and scrutiny over various issues, a spokesperson for Coles insists that this bag check policy is a standard practice across the entire retail industry.

While retail theft is undoubtedly an issue, perhaps Coles should reflect on its own actions first. What do you think, members? Do you think it’s standard practice for employees' bags to be checked after work? Or if Coles is underpaying its staff, should they be looking at their own actions? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

why complain when it is for your protection. If your not wrong, nothing to worry about.

 

[mylittletibbies]

That's got nothing to do with it. It's assuming everyone that walks through their doors is a thief.

Who can blame them, so many people are. Blame those people, not the store.

 

[Clancieblue]

We had our bags checked by the RN every time we left shift in Aged Care.
Yes, some staff were stealing supplies in the 80's. I imagine it still happens.
Bandaids,toothbrush,toothpaste etc. I wasn't very popular when I asked who checked the RN"s bag.

 

[Da Freddo]

To all the subscribers who still shop Coles and Woolworths.
why all the bad reviews? That will not hurt them, shop at another market.
That is the way to cause headaches to company CEO's when their bottom line starts to fall.
Panic will set in so fast the poor Lí'll buggers will start sweating knowing their fat pay checks are on the line.
An Economist once told me, the only way for the public to bring down prices is to,
1. everybody, I mean everybody buy petrol from shell garages only. Regardless of price.
After 1 week of NO SALES to other petrol companies.
WATCH THE PRICE LANDSLIDE OVER THE CLIFF.
2. Then change to a different petrol company and REPEAT THE PROCESS.
3. Repeat the process again.
This, He says will drive the message home to the petrol CEO's that messing with the public
buyers, "that it's insanely dangerous to our wellbeing as a business".
The only catch is everybody, everybody has to comply to make the strategy work.
Whining and moaning is water of a Ducks back to them!
One person sends a message nobody listens.
Ten thousand send a message EVERYBODY LISTENS.

PS Shell was for informative purposes only "A random pick only".

 

[Capi22222]

I worked at Kmart about 30 years ago as a department manager and we all had to have a signed seal put on anything that we took into the store that they might sell, drinks, lollies, cigarette lighters, everything ever time we went into the store to work. The store managers, reps everyone had to do this and bag checks when leaving. Coles and Kmart were a combined store back then. There was a room upstairs with TV monitors where security watched everyone. Security hid in racks of clothing and even under the food shelve, one scared the daylights out of me one day. Yes some staff did steal giving change of one hundred dollars to a family member when they only gave her $5. Not scanning all of family members purchases etc etc. Even one security staff stole things and got caught. Back then security wore everyday clothes so no one knew who they were. Some security staff came in pushing a stroller with a child in it, secret shoppers we called them. You never knew who was standing beside you when you shopped there but 10 to me if they stood near you reading labels on products and hanging around you they were security.

 

[freedy50]

I was a steward for many years at some football stadiums in the UK and always had any bags checked as we went in. Never thought anything of it.
SDC stirring things up again?

 

[Andrew]

They are assuming employees are guilty before being proven innocent!. It's the same with all store's that think anyone or everyone is a shoplifter!.

 

[AlanQ]

That is far too much profit for Coles to make. They should reduce the price of their groceries.$1.1 billion profit is obscene!!!!!!

On $40+ billion, it's on the low side when compared with other retail operators around the world. $2.5 billion taxes paid are what should be questioned.

 

[AlanQ]

They are assuming employees are guilty before being proven innocent!. It's the same with all store's that think anyone or everyone is a shoplifter!.

is that not treating everyone as equal the best policy to adapt? Just walk around a Coles or Woolworths store & watch the (pretty safe bet) entitled welfare recipients that seem to think it's ok to consume food & drink, then leave on shelf for someone else to clean up after they've stolen and think it acceptable.

 

[mylittletibbies]

They are assuming employees are guilty before being proven innocent!. It's the same with all store's that think anyone or everyone is a shoplifter!.

How do you suggest they should know the difference, shoplifters don't walk around with a big sign on their head stating they are shoplifters.

 

[KiwiTrish]

Coles supermarkets have doubled down on their strict anti-shoplifting policies, but this time the crackdown is affecting their own employees.

The retail giant has begun enforcing compulsory bag checks on staff when they finish shifts, claiming it will reduce theft. However, many are questioning the effectiveness and ethics of the controversial new policy.

This latest move builds on Coles' increasingly hardcore stance against shoplifting in their stores. Previously, they have introduced CCTV monitoring and equipped employees with body cameras—all in the name of stopping thieves.

View attachment 33945

Is Coles in the wrong here? Image source: Shutterstock.

But with the rising cost of groceries in a time of economic uncertainty, it seems Coles cannot trust its own workers. Employees must submit their personal bags for inspection when clocking off, or they risk being fired.

The change removes the previous policy where staff were only searched if specifically suspected of stealing. Critics argue that routinely checking everyone is ‘overkill’, especially as Coles employees are already among the lowest paid in Australia.

'The reason they are bag checking is because they know that their own workers are forced to think about stealing because they can’t afford food,' said Josh Cullinan, a representative of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.

The irony is that if Coles paid staff better wages, they'd be less incentivised to steal in the first place. Some have called out Coles for suspecting theft from workers they intentionally underpay. Especially as Coles was called out in June for underpaying staff by $25 million.

Coles maintains that compulsory checks are an industry standard practice, but some see it as profit-driven paranoia gone too far.

'I’m sure this has always been a thing? I worked for Coles as a teenager, and we would show our bags on the way out,' said one ex-employee, questioning if the policy is even ‘new’.

Whatever the case, Coles is determined to crack down on stealing from all sides. With Australians suffering rising costs of living, Coles apparently needs to squeeze every cent of profit it can.

The same profit-first mentality led to Coles shamefully being awarded a 2023 'Shonky Award' by consumer group CHOICE for 'cashing in during a cost-of-living crisis'.

Alongside fellow supermarket giant Woolworths, Coles earned condemnation for making over $1.1 billion in profit last year while raising prices on struggling consumers. Their unethical greed left a bad taste in Australians’ mouths.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has implemented bag checks on staff members completing their shifts in an effort to combat shoplifting.
• The policy, introduced last year, can see workers fired if they refuse to have their bags inspected.
• According to the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union, the new policy stems from the high cost of groceries, leading to concerns staff may be tempted to steal.
• Despite criticisms and scrutiny over various issues, a spokesperson for Coles insists that this bag check policy is a standard practice across the entire retail industry.

While retail theft is undoubtedly an issue, perhaps Coles should reflect on its own actions first. What do you think, members? Do you think it’s standard practice for employees' bags to be checked after work? Or if Coles is underpaying its staff, should they be looking at their own actions? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

I worked in retail for over 20: years at a Franklin store and we always showed our bags on leaving the store

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

When I worked for coles in the 70s, they checked everyone's bags as they left. Back then, everyone left at the same time every day .

If they are admitting their staff are all underpaid then why not give them a pay rise or with such a high profit margin why not give them a bonus credit to use on groceries each week.

Although stealing of any form is not right

Further to your valid comments Suzanne, why don't Coles etc, lower their prices for everyone. Win, win situation for all!

 

[RSOL]

Coles supermarkets have doubled down on their strict anti-shoplifting policies, but this time the crackdown is affecting their own employees.

The retail giant has begun enforcing compulsory bag checks on staff when they finish shifts, claiming it will reduce theft. However, many are questioning the effectiveness and ethics of the controversial new policy.

This latest move builds on Coles' increasingly hardcore stance against shoplifting in their stores. Previously, they have introduced CCTV monitoring and equipped employees with body cameras—all in the name of stopping thieves.

View attachment 33945

Is Coles in the wrong here? Image source: Shutterstock.

But with the rising cost of groceries in a time of economic uncertainty, it seems Coles cannot trust its own workers. Employees must submit their personal bags for inspection when clocking off, or they risk being fired.

The change removes the previous policy where staff were only searched if specifically suspected of stealing. Critics argue that routinely checking everyone is ‘overkill’, especially as Coles employees are already among the lowest paid in Australia.

'The reason they are bag checking is because they know that their own workers are forced to think about stealing because they can’t afford food,' said Josh Cullinan, a representative of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.

The irony is that if Coles paid staff better wages, they'd be less incentivised to steal in the first place. Some have called out Coles for suspecting theft from workers they intentionally underpay. Especially as Coles was called out in June for underpaying staff by $25 million.

Coles maintains that compulsory checks are an industry standard practice, but some see it as profit-driven paranoia gone too far.

'I’m sure this has always been a thing? I worked for Coles as a teenager, and we would show our bags on the way out,' said one ex-employee, questioning if the policy is even ‘new’.

Whatever the case, Coles is determined to crack down on stealing from all sides. With Australians suffering rising costs of living, Coles apparently needs to squeeze every cent of profit it can.

The same profit-first mentality led to Coles shamefully being awarded a 2023 'Shonky Award' by consumer group CHOICE for 'cashing in during a cost-of-living crisis'.

Alongside fellow supermarket giant Woolworths, Coles earned condemnation for making over $1.1 billion in profit last year while raising prices on struggling consumers. Their unethical greed left a bad taste in Australians’ mouths.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has implemented bag checks on staff members completing their shifts in an effort to combat shoplifting.
• The policy, introduced last year, can see workers fired if they refuse to have their bags inspected.
• According to the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union, the new policy stems from the high cost of groceries, leading to concerns staff may be tempted to steal.
• Despite criticisms and scrutiny over various issues, a spokesperson for Coles insists that this bag check policy is a standard practice across the entire retail industry.

While retail theft is undoubtedly an issue, perhaps Coles should reflect on its own actions first. What do you think, members? Do you think it’s standard practice for employees' bags to be checked after work? Or if Coles is underpaying its staff, should they be looking at their own actions? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Coles supermarkets have doubled down on their strict anti-shoplifting policies, but this time the crackdown is affecting their own employees.

The retail giant has begun enforcing compulsory bag checks on staff when they finish shifts, claiming it will reduce theft. However, many are questioning the effectiveness and ethics of the controversial new policy.

This latest move builds on Coles' increasingly hardcore stance against shoplifting in their stores. Previously, they have introduced CCTV monitoring and equipped employees with body cameras—all in the name of stopping thieves.

View attachment 33945

Is Coles in the wrong here? Image source: Shutterstock.

But with the rising cost of groceries in a time of economic uncertainty, it seems Coles cannot trust its own workers. Employees must submit their personal bags for inspection when clocking off, or they risk being fired.

The change removes the previous policy where staff were only searched if specifically suspected of stealing. Critics argue that routinely checking everyone is ‘overkill’, especially as Coles employees are already among the lowest paid in Australia.

'The reason they are bag checking is because they know that their own workers are forced to think about stealing because they can’t afford food,' said Josh Cullinan, a representative of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.

The irony is that if Coles paid staff better wages, they'd be less incentivised to steal in the first place. Some have called out Coles for suspecting theft from workers they intentionally underpay. Especially as Coles was called out in June for underpaying staff by $25 million.

Coles maintains that compulsory checks are an industry standard practice, but some see it as profit-driven paranoia gone too far.

'I’m sure this has always been a thing? I worked for Coles as a teenager, and we would show our bags on the way out,' said one ex-employee, questioning if the policy is even ‘new’.

Whatever the case, Coles is determined to crack down on stealing from all sides. With Australians suffering rising costs of living, Coles apparently needs to squeeze every cent of profit it can.

The same profit-first mentality led to Coles shamefully being awarded a 2023 'Shonky Award' by consumer group CHOICE for 'cashing in during a cost-of-living crisis'.

Alongside fellow supermarket giant Woolworths, Coles earned condemnation for making over $1.1 billion in profit last year while raising prices on struggling consumers. Their unethical greed left a bad taste in Australians’ mouths.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has implemented bag checks on staff members completing their shifts in an effort to combat shoplifting.
• The policy, introduced last year, can see workers fired if they refuse to have their bags inspected.
• According to the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union, the new policy stems from the high cost of groceries, leading to concerns staff may be tempted to steal.
• Despite criticisms and scrutiny over various issues, a spokesperson for Coles insists that this bag check policy is a standard practice across the entire retail industry.

While retail theft is undoubtedly an issue, perhaps Coles should reflect on its own actions first. What do you think, members? Do you think it’s standard practice for employees' bags to be checked after work? Or if Coles is underpaying its staff, should they be looking at their own actions? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

K.R Howe, West Australia
Perhaps Coles/Woolworths should revert back to having check out chicks on the tills and dispose of the self check outs which are open to shoplifting. I will not use self checkouts as that is causing job losses and creating unemployment and removing work experience for the young ones

 

[oldsalt]

Nothing new. Dont' think it has to do with wages even if they are low. When I worked for Sandovers in the 1950's our floorwalker person [old name for security person] would be at the exit door and all bags were checked.

 

[David567]

I worked at Coled 40 years ago and I had to check staff bags when staff left the store. It's not new. Just like we had to get check seals on food and cigs bought into the store or purchased on lunch breaks. Still in practice today. So what's the big deal. Customer bag checks have also been standard for 50 years and still is.

 

[Lisa]

It's ok for Coles to rip off the people when we are all going through a really hard time financially. They made huge profits and didn't care what was said about it. Now the employees have to abide by their new rules, show us your bags if not you're fired. I am one of the ones that will gladly offer my bag before being ask. I have nothing to hide.
Now they are the ones " not happy Jan " complaining about shoplifting on the rise in their stores. Honestly who could not see this coming.
I truly believe what goes around comes around.
Take care.

Shows they don't even trust their own employment screening process.
Theft obviously didn't have an impact on their last profit margin.

@ leodalion63...Fyi...all major department stores have been doing this for years and I mean since the sixties at least so NOTHING NEW! Check your facts prior to making assumptions which are unfounded.
Secondly do you know ANYTHING about retail because your commentary shouts delusional! Unless you have worked for them..which in your case in sincerely doubt!! We ARE ALL hurting financially you are NOT the only ONE! So instead of whinging how about you make positive changes??

 

[Lisa]

When I was at Coles last week and going through self serve, no choice as only 1 staffed register with a huge line up, I had some cartons of ten cans of cordial. Staff member came and told me she would put them through the register as heavy items. I said I can do it. Reply, we are getting our security gate on the two exits of self serve shortly and if a staff member hasn’t logged that they have put your heavy items through the register you will be blocked from exiting until your receipt is checked. Really, I hope they will have more than 1 person in the self serve if they are going to be that petty, I can see people breaking through the gate in frustration being made to wait. Obviously will have cameras tracking who has heavy items in trolley, surely they can also track the customers who don’t put them through the register. With so much distrust of customers they need to have enough staff in self serve to watch every register or get rid of self serve and have staffed registers.

Seriously what planet are you on? You were offered service but refused it?? If you have nothing to hide why are you carrying on about this? Also think about the amount of people going through the shop EACH AND EVERYDAY...its not one or two... you really did yourself an injustice by NOT ACCEPTING HELP..and then you complain....!

 

[mylittletibbies]

@ leodalion63...Fyi...all major department stores have been doing this for years and I mean since the sixties at least so NOTHING NEW! Check your facts prior to making assumptions which are unfounded.
Secondly do you know ANYTHING about retail because your commentary shouts delusional! Unless you have worked for them..which in your case in sincerely doubt!! We ARE ALL hurting financially you are NOT the only ONE! So instead of whinging how about you make positive changes??

I know that these.supermarkets make what appears to be astronomical profits, but if you were to divide the amount by the number of stores,,(I
don't have any idea how many there is but it would thousands) I wonder how many more companies out there making the same amounts, just not reported as it doesn't sound as much.
After all the idea of being in business is to make money so you can't blame stores for making efforts to protect their income.
I had my own business years ago. I was good to my employees, paid them well, etc and yet on one particular day when my floor lady and I had to go to choose next seasons fabrics I asked one of the girls to lock up for me as we would be late back.
On return the guys in the next unit made a comment about the girls having a short day. Apparently they knocked off two hours early and one of the girls had left with a large roll of fabric.
I didn't say a word but on pay day their payslip showed minus two hours, and the one who stole the fabric got paid nothing, plus a bill for the balance of the cost of the fabric.
Not one of them said anything, the one who stole quit, good riddance to bad rubbish, and as she gave no notice she forfeited almost three weeks holiday pay
I would never be in a business again where I had to hire staff.
People should be grateful that other people take a chance going into business, which in turn provides them with a job and stop whinging.
Yes, unfortunately employees do steal.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Seriously what planet are you on? You were offered service but refused it?? If you have nothing to hide why are you carrying on about this? Also think about the amount of people going through the shop EACH AND EVERYDAY...its not one or two... you really did yourself an injustice by NOT ACCEPTING HELP..and then you complain....!

Exactly, there's no pleasing some people.
Most of these people have never been in business and just have no clue. They just think everything is so simple.
There are always options. You can wait in the queue for a manned checkout, or go thru self serve and show your receipt. The choice is yours.
Gheez, talk about a storm in a teacup.
There are people out there in the real world with REAL problems
Just be grateful you're not in Gaza.

 

[Carol]

@ leodalion63...Fyi...all major department stores have been doing this for years and I mean since the sixties at least so NOTHING NEW! Check your facts prior to making assumptions which are unfounded.
Secondly do you know ANYTHING about retail because your commentary shouts delusional! Unless you have worked for them..which in your case in sincerely doubt!! We ARE ALL hurting financially you are NOT the only ONE! So instead of whinging how about you make positive changes??

Wow! You don't know me, so you stop making assumptions.