Outrage as Woolies Manager Is Caught Verbally Abusing Staff Member
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Workplaces should be safe environments, and supermarkets should be child-friendly. Neither of these are controversial statements, and yet, one Woolworths store managed to disregard both expectations in one distressing incident.
A shopper has come forward to express her shock and concern after witnessing a distressing incident at a Woolworths store in Queensland. While browsing the aisles of the Brisbane CBD location, the shopper overheard a store manager hurling abusive language and using 'hardcore slurs' directed at another employee.
The alleged incident took place in the presence of a group of children, leaving the shopper deeply disturbed.
Having worked in the retail industry for a decade, the shopper acknowledged the occasional intensity of such environments, including strong language. However, she firmly believed that the manager's behaviour had crossed a line.
She said in a social media post, ‘I'm a pretty big swearer myself, and I've worked in retail for ten years, so I know how intense it can be, but this stuff was over the line.’ She further emphasised that the incident was not isolated, as the store's small size allowed the profanities to echo throughout.
'I was there visibly with my kid and saw other parents with kids too. The store is pretty small so you could hear it throughout.' she explained.
To highlight the severity of the outburst, the woman compared it to something one might witness on the 'Ipswich [train] line at 10pm'. Seeking validation for her reaction, she questioned whether she was being unreasonable.
'Am I overreacting a bit? I think I might be. But this was crazy,' she wrote.
'Not trying to start any drama, but would love everyone's thoughts.’
Other shoppers swiftly supported the woman's concerns in the comments section. One user reassured her that she was not being unreasonable, as she did not create a scene in the store but instead reasonably voiced her concerns online.
They discussed the limited options for recourse, considering that complaints made through the website would likely fall on deaf ears. 'It's inappropriate, but beyond complaining on the website, which will go to said manager and thus (be) ignored, what else can you do.' read one comment.
Another user expressed their personal approach, stating that they would have acted by reporting the irate manager to a higher authority, ensuring their name was noted for reference. ‘I hate when people abuse staff.’ they explained.
Another contributor accepted that some level of swearing might occur in workplaces but deemed the use of 'hardcore slurs' inappropriate and intimidating. They suggested that the manager required help and support for anger management while also urging someone to intervene when such incidents happen in public spaces with witnesses present.
'This will always be a judgement call from yourself, however, inside a shop with plenty of onlookers, someone should take action.'
'Nope… that boss should be reported.’ said another.
Daily Mail Australia reached out to Woolworths for comment but did not receive a reply.
Members, this is certainly distressing news, and we hope Woolworths comes forward with a comment and recourse soon. In the meantime, we would love to hear from you. What would you have done in the shopper’s shoes?
A shopper has come forward to express her shock and concern after witnessing a distressing incident at a Woolworths store in Queensland. While browsing the aisles of the Brisbane CBD location, the shopper overheard a store manager hurling abusive language and using 'hardcore slurs' directed at another employee.
The alleged incident took place in the presence of a group of children, leaving the shopper deeply disturbed.
Woolworths has yet to comment on the incident. Image Credit: Shutterstock
Having worked in the retail industry for a decade, the shopper acknowledged the occasional intensity of such environments, including strong language. However, she firmly believed that the manager's behaviour had crossed a line.
She said in a social media post, ‘I'm a pretty big swearer myself, and I've worked in retail for ten years, so I know how intense it can be, but this stuff was over the line.’ She further emphasised that the incident was not isolated, as the store's small size allowed the profanities to echo throughout.
'I was there visibly with my kid and saw other parents with kids too. The store is pretty small so you could hear it throughout.' she explained.
To highlight the severity of the outburst, the woman compared it to something one might witness on the 'Ipswich [train] line at 10pm'. Seeking validation for her reaction, she questioned whether she was being unreasonable.
'Am I overreacting a bit? I think I might be. But this was crazy,' she wrote.
'Not trying to start any drama, but would love everyone's thoughts.’
Other shoppers swiftly supported the woman's concerns in the comments section. One user reassured her that she was not being unreasonable, as she did not create a scene in the store but instead reasonably voiced her concerns online.
They discussed the limited options for recourse, considering that complaints made through the website would likely fall on deaf ears. 'It's inappropriate, but beyond complaining on the website, which will go to said manager and thus (be) ignored, what else can you do.' read one comment.
Another user expressed their personal approach, stating that they would have acted by reporting the irate manager to a higher authority, ensuring their name was noted for reference. ‘I hate when people abuse staff.’ they explained.
Another contributor accepted that some level of swearing might occur in workplaces but deemed the use of 'hardcore slurs' inappropriate and intimidating. They suggested that the manager required help and support for anger management while also urging someone to intervene when such incidents happen in public spaces with witnesses present.
'This will always be a judgement call from yourself, however, inside a shop with plenty of onlookers, someone should take action.'
'Nope… that boss should be reported.’ said another.
Daily Mail Australia reached out to Woolworths for comment but did not receive a reply.
Members, this is certainly distressing news, and we hope Woolworths comes forward with a comment and recourse soon. In the meantime, we would love to hear from you. What would you have done in the shopper’s shoes?
