With supply-chain issues causing delays, union urges shoppers to treat workers with respect

Press Release, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union

As the holiday shopping season gets underway, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union issued the following statement urging holiday shoppers to treat workers with dignity and respect as they return to shopping in stores amid supply-chain issues:

“Our members are eager to welcome customers back to stores this holiday season, but as incidents of harassment, violence and hate continue to rise in stores workers are worried about their physical and mental safety,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

“The supply chain is still precarious as we emerge from the pandemic. Retail workers bear the brunt of shoppers’ frustration. Tempers quickly rise when customers hear that coveted holiday items are stuck on shipping containers at sea and have been backordered for months; and especially if they’ve gone to multiple stores only to go home empty handed.

“Workers are not to blame, and stores should provide security, safety protocols and training to handle irate shoppers this season. Retail workers experience heightened stress and pressure this time of year, even in normal times. Shoppers need to remember what this season is supposed to be all about – kindness,” Appelbaum said.