Workers have expressed concerns about safety, particularly regarding  evacuation processes. Additionally, there have  been reports of issues relating to customer behaviour, including instances of abuse and theft-related incidents.

We have visited your store to better understand these concerns and gather more information. This Union News shares some of the concerns raised in more detail and Myer’s response. As we continue to have discussions with Myer we are open to your feedback. Please contact us on 131 732 or at secretary@sdansw.asn.au. We encourage workers to also provide feedback directly to Myer and report all issues, including issues of health and safety and issues of customer abuse and violence. Myer assesses risks based on these reports and allocates resources accordingly.

If you require support at any time in this process, including when speaking to management, please let us know.

What happens during emergencies?

There have been some concerns raised with recent evacuations, including with the incident in April this year. Myer has clarified the store followed NSW Police direction by entering  lockdown, rather than evacuate. Many other stores in the Centre were also given the same direction.

There are also a number of Codes that should be called over the PA when there is an emergency. Every worker, including concession workers, should be informed what these codes are and also what to expect when these codes are called.

For example, when Code Brown is called this means the store is going into lockdown.

Myer has multiple floor wardens on every level. These floor wardens will usher workers and customers to designated safe havens on each floor. Workers will be informed of these locations when required to ensure these locations remains secure by one of the floor wardens as quickly as possible. This will be either via the earpieces or in person.

The names and locations of all your floor wardens are on the safety notice board and also on notice boards in reserves. Please ask a manager if you cannot find your nearest warden.

What if I see a customer stealing, experience customer abuse or I am threatened?

We recommend with any threatening situation or potentially threatening situation, that you immediately seek assistance from management. You can call for a manager by calling operator 22 to a location.

Every worker in Myer, including all concession workers, can also wear an ear piece if they wish upon request.

Myer supplies these headsets to any worker upon their request. We encourage all workers, whether they are concession or Myer staff, to use the headsets as it’s a quick and easy way to let management know when issues arise and also so workers know what is happening.

Please remember:

1)   Step away from the customer or even the area if you are concerned for your safety at any time.

2)   If staying, where possible, keep a safe distance from the offender and remain where other team members are present.

3)   Stay calm and do NOT respond aggressively or provoke the offender. If you feel agitated ask someone else to help and take over, and

4)   NEVER EVER stand in the way of, threaten or chase or follow people suspected of stealing or who becomes abusive or violent.

Addressing increased Workload and Customer Interactions

Some workers have shared that recent changes in certain areas have led to an increase in customer-related issues, including instances of abuse. For example, workers in some areas have reported a higher incidence of  theft, customer abuse and violence due to fewer Myer team members available to assist.  In men’s suits, the removal of a sign has reportedly led to confusion and increased customer dissatisfaction.

Please ensure all safety issues, including incidents of customer abuse and violence, are reported to management. Remember Myer and the SDA both agree violence in any workplace is unacceptable, including from customers. If a customer has been violent and abusive to a worker, Myer may be able to ban the customer. In order to do this, workers need to report in as much detail incidents that occur.

We encourage workers to do so in writing both to us and also to Myer.

Further questions and final reminders

For any further advice, feedback or support at any stage, email us at secretary@sdansw.asn.au or call the SDA on 131 732.