Shocking event befalls Kmart employee: Wake-up call for all shoppers
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Disclaimer: This article contains sensitive content related to elderly violence. The topic discussed may be distressing or upsetting to some readers. Reader discretion is advised, and we encourage anyone affected by this subject to seek support from professional services or counselling.
As we approach the festive season, a time synonymous with joy and giving, it's disheartening to hear that for some, it's a period marked by increased stress and, alarmingly, violence.
The recent surge in aggressive incidents towards retail workers is a troubling trend that many call for a change in how we treat those who serve us in stores.
With holiday shopping reaching its peak, the pressure on customers and employees intensifies, making fostering an environment of respect and kindness even more crucial during this time of year.
Christine Smith, a 70-year-old Kmart employee, became the face of this issue when she was brutally assaulted by a customer while simply performing her duties.
The attack, which occurred in 2019 at the Campbelltown Kmart in Sydney's southwest, left Mrs Smith with two black eyes and a need for months of recovery before she could return to her job.
'I put my hand on the trolley, and she just double-whammed me,' Mrs Smith narrated.
'She hit me in the drawer, then hit me between the eyes. She was like a boxer. And that was the end. I went down.'
The incident was so severe that it spurred the NSW Government to take legislative action.
In 2023, new laws were introduced to create a specific offence for violence against retail workers.
This was a significant step, acknowledging the unique risks faced by employees in the retail sector and aiming to provide them with more excellent protection under the law.
Despite these measures, Mrs Smith reports that aggressive behaviour from shoppers has remained strong.
'At least once a week, you'll get someone telling you to f*** off, and it's just because you're doing your job,' she said.
She still encounters hostility at least once a week, a stark reminder that legal changes alone are not enough to shift the culture of disrespect and aggression that some retail workers face daily.
The problem is not isolated to Kmart. Bunnings, another major Australian retailer, has also been grappling with a disturbing rise in violence.
They released CCTV footage showing staff members being threatened with knives and even a shotgun.
The footage is harrowing and includes scenes of a man holding a knife to an employee's throat and other staff being physically assaulted.
In response to these threats, Bunnings implemented facial recognition technology as a security measure, a move that was met with privacy concerns and a ruling from the Privacy Commissioner that the company had breached privacy laws.
Despite this, Bunnings maintains that the technology's use was intended to safeguard both customers and employees amidst a 50 per cent increase in abuse, threats, and assaults in their stores in 2023.
These incidents are a wake-up call for all shoppers. The individuals who staff our favourite stores, help us find what we need and keep the shelves stocked deserve to work in an environment free from fear and harm.
As customers, we are responsible for treating retail workers with the respect and kindness they deserve, not just during the holiday season but all year round.
How can shoppers help make stores safer for workers? What can be done to stop aggression towards retail workers? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
As we approach the festive season, a time synonymous with joy and giving, it's disheartening to hear that for some, it's a period marked by increased stress and, alarmingly, violence.
The recent surge in aggressive incidents towards retail workers is a troubling trend that many call for a change in how we treat those who serve us in stores.
With holiday shopping reaching its peak, the pressure on customers and employees intensifies, making fostering an environment of respect and kindness even more crucial during this time of year.
Christine Smith, a 70-year-old Kmart employee, became the face of this issue when she was brutally assaulted by a customer while simply performing her duties.
The attack, which occurred in 2019 at the Campbelltown Kmart in Sydney's southwest, left Mrs Smith with two black eyes and a need for months of recovery before she could return to her job.
An elderly Kmart worker in Campbelltown, Sydney, was assaulted by a customer in 2019, resulting in significant injuries. Credit: Wirestock / iStock
'I put my hand on the trolley, and she just double-whammed me,' Mrs Smith narrated.
'She hit me in the drawer, then hit me between the eyes. She was like a boxer. And that was the end. I went down.'
The incident was so severe that it spurred the NSW Government to take legislative action.
In 2023, new laws were introduced to create a specific offence for violence against retail workers.
This was a significant step, acknowledging the unique risks faced by employees in the retail sector and aiming to provide them with more excellent protection under the law.
Despite these measures, Mrs Smith reports that aggressive behaviour from shoppers has remained strong.
'At least once a week, you'll get someone telling you to f*** off, and it's just because you're doing your job,' she said.
She still encounters hostility at least once a week, a stark reminder that legal changes alone are not enough to shift the culture of disrespect and aggression that some retail workers face daily.
The problem is not isolated to Kmart. Bunnings, another major Australian retailer, has also been grappling with a disturbing rise in violence.
They released CCTV footage showing staff members being threatened with knives and even a shotgun.
The footage is harrowing and includes scenes of a man holding a knife to an employee's throat and other staff being physically assaulted.
In response to these threats, Bunnings implemented facial recognition technology as a security measure, a move that was met with privacy concerns and a ruling from the Privacy Commissioner that the company had breached privacy laws.
Despite this, Bunnings maintains that the technology's use was intended to safeguard both customers and employees amidst a 50 per cent increase in abuse, threats, and assaults in their stores in 2023.
These incidents are a wake-up call for all shoppers. The individuals who staff our favourite stores, help us find what we need and keep the shelves stocked deserve to work in an environment free from fear and harm.
As customers, we are responsible for treating retail workers with the respect and kindness they deserve, not just during the holiday season but all year round.
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