Woolies workers speaks out after being punched, abused on the job

A STUDENT and retail worker has spoken out about being punched several times and being racially abused by a customer while stocking shelves

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A STUDENT and retail worker has spoken out about being punched several times and being racially abused by a customer while stocking shelves.

Izz Danial bin Muhammad Helmi, 21, is a student from Singapore who works part time doing night fill at Woolworths Coolalinga.

He said during one of his shifts last week, a customer took the trolley he was using and then became violent when he asked for it back.

“I saw him in the freezer and I asked him, ‘Hey, can I get my personal belongings from the trolley,’” Mr Helmi said.

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“He was like ‘no’, he told me to back away,

“Then he kind of … tried to push the trolley to me, like he was ramming me, but I managed to block it off, and while he’s doing that, he actually punched me.”

Mr Helmi said the customer also hurled a tirade of racist abuse at him, and punched him another two times as he attempted to make him leave the premises.

“He said some really racist things,” Mr Helmi said.

“My sister was working at the register for the time and she didn’t want to serve Him

“I couldn’t really do anything at the time as well … but I was still there to, to protect the girls at the front.”

Mr Helmi reported the incident to police the next day and is yet to hear back.

He said he believes the incident was caused by a lack of respect.

“This is the first time I’ve been assaulted at work, which is scary to me, very scary,” Mr Helmi said.

“I try my best to provide for the people, but I get that in return, which is really unfair.”

SDA Union Secretary for South Australia and the Northern Territory, Josh Peak, said customer abuse or violence is incredibly common.

“Retail workers are just trying to do their jobs. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a bad day or something is out of stock, they shouldn’t have to cop it,” Mr Peak said.

“Customer abuse can have a huge effect not only on workers’ physical wellbeing, but on their mental health.

“With over 85% of retail workers having experienced customer abuse, it’s clear there needs to be immediate action.

“We’re working with employers to introduce a zero-tolerance approach to customer abuse and introduce stronger protections for workers including security guards, more training and stronger policies.”

NT Police Senior Sergeant Siiri Tennosaar said no arrests had been made yet in relation to the alleged assault.

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Originally published as Woolies workers speaks out after being punched, abused on the job