Coronavirus: Bunnings worker breaks down on air over rude customers

A Bunnings team member has slammed “rude” customers in an emotional radio interview as the coronavirus crisis rages on.

An exhausted Bunnings worker has broken down in tears on air while describing the chaos caused by entitled customers as the COVID-19 pandemic deepens.

This morning, the hardware chain employee, identified only as Luke, spoke with GOLD104.3’s Breakfast Show host Christian O’Connell and begged customers to show some respect to workers.

Luke told Melbourne radio listeners hardworking retail employees had been pushed to the limit by the ongoing crisis.

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“I work at Bunnings and the amount of disrespectful, impatient people coming through is disgusting. We are run off our feet, we are trying our best – understand that everyone, and for those that are giving us respect and are being patient we can’t thank you enough,” he said before being overcome with emotion.

“It’s a struggle … we are trying, we are definitely trying 100 per cent … trying not to have a breakdown is impossible. Woolworths, Coles any retail worker, we are doing our best.”

O’Connell asked the worker how the team was getting through the challenging period.

Christian O’Connell urged listeners to be “kind” through the crisis. Picture: Facebook

“We just lean on each other at work, we just get together and support each other,” Luke replied.

“I don’t know how people can go home and feel good about themselves making others feel like rubbish and sending them home in tears or making me feel as little as anything.

“I understand people are losing their jobs but there’s no excuse to come in and be rude or think you’re the one that should be served first. There are lines, there is self-distancing put in place, and you’ve got people that wont respect that. And if you’re not going to respect it, then we won’t serve you.”

He said “the whole team” had been affected by poor customer behaviour recently.

“We’re there to help you – if you’re not going to support us and respect us, don’t expect service,” Luke said.

“Stick together – no one has been through this, this is a learning curve for us all. We’re all working overtime putting ourselves at risk to serve the community.”

He said he hoped his call would prompt people to “think about their actions before they lash out at someone”, and O’Connell thanked him and other “frontline” workers for their “bravery and courage”.

O’Connell said the coronavirus outbreak was also impacting people’s mental health, and said “the only way” we will get through the unprecedented crisis was by working together and behaving with kindness and compassion.