Retail organisations across Australia are running the Be Kind in Retail campaign to address abuse and violence towards workers during the Christmas shopping period. The campaign runs from November 4 to December 24, with advertising valued at more than $10 million.
Australian Retail Council research found that 51 per cent of retailers reported physical abuse at least monthly, while 87 per cent of retail workers had experienced verbal abuse. Those affected include retail and pharmacy staff, security officers, cleaners, convenience and fuel attendants, and shopping centre employees.
ARC chief executive Chris Rodwell said the Christmas shopping rush was no excuse for abusive behaviour towards retail workers. « We all have our bad days, but no retail worker deserves your temper », he said.
The campaign carries advertising across more than 2700 locations and 7600 digital screens in Australia. The network includes more than 400 shopping centres, 650 bank branches and 1650 convenience stores and service stations.
This year, 7-Eleven and Viva Energy Retail, which operates OTR and Reddy Express, have joined the campaign, alongside existing partners Woolworths and Commonwealth Bank.
Industry organisations said worker protection requires coordination across the retail sector. Australian Security Industry Association Limited chief executive Bryan de Caires said there was no justification for violence, threats or abuse towards security officers, cleaners and retail workers.
Australian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Theo Foukkare said the convenience sector employs around 80,000 frontline workers who serve 20 million customers each week across Australia. He said workplace safety and respect were a shared responsibility.
Shopping Centre Council of Australia chief executive Angus Nardi said the campaign's presence across shopping centres and retail locations could encourage appropriate behaviour. The campaign uses positive messaging centred on kindness and respect rather than negative behaviour. Shopping Centre Council research indicates this approach can influence behaviour and establish respect as a standard across retail environments.
The industry is also working with governments and police on worker protection measures, including action against illicit tobacco, Workplace Protection Orders and coordinated retail crime operations. Named operations include Operation Percentile in New South Wales, Operation Measure in South Australia and Operation Pulse in Victoria.