Significant partnership established between SDA Union and SafeWork SA to tackle abuse and violence in retail industry
SDA Union and SafeWork SA have joined forces to tackle abuse and violence towards retail workers.
The state regulator has signed onto the SDA’s nationwide industry statement pledging to eradicate customer abuse from the retail and fast food industry.
SafeWork SA now joins over 50 industry groups and major companies in signing this industry statement including Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, the Reject Shop, Kmart, Myer, David Jones, the National Retailers Association and Australian Retailers Association.
The statement pledges support for the eradication of customer abuse and violence, as well agreeing to encourage and facilitate the reporting of all forms of customer perpetrated abuse and violence towards workers, including sexual harassment and assault.
According to a recent report by the National Retailers Association, some retailers saw a 400% increase in customer abuse during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
Additionally, a recent study conducted by the SDA found that 1 in 5 retail workers surveyed were spat on or coughed on by customers in 2020.
Quotes attributable to SDA Secretary Josh Peak:
“We’re proud to see SafeWork SA sign onto our industry statement and do their part to eliminate abuse and violence towards retail workers across South Australian retailers.”
“SafeWork SA has become the fifth safety regulator to join our campaign and it’s reassuring to see them show genuine concern for this issue.”
“Customer abuse and violence is a very real issue for retail workers and more needs to be done to stop this and protect retail workers.”
“In order to stop the alarming rise of customer abuse, we need everyone to come to the table and work to prevent this including retailers, business groups and the public.”
“We look forward to working with SafeWork SA to create safer workplaces for South Australian retail workers.”
Quotes attributable to Martyn Campbell, Executive Director, SafeWork SA:
“This is an excellent initiative that SafeWork SA is proud to join. We need to keep all workers free from violence but especially those in retail who are prone to dealing with abuse.”
“Retail is often the first job for our children and young people, SafeWork SA will join this initiative to ensure that happens.”
“What a great opportunity for all organisations to join to stop workplace abuse and violence.”
Media Contacts:
Milly Schultz-Boylen – 0458 790 006
Andrew Spence – 0411 143 154