Supermarket staff are dealing with threats of murder and rape as violence towards staff increases.
Countdown spokesperson Kiri Hannifin said staff are being physically, verbally and racially abused while trying to do their jobs.
She said the violence has increased markedly since March 2020 and often stems from face mask requirements.
"At the moment, the main cause of aggression and abuse arises as a result of the unsatisfactory mask exemption process.
"In particular, the lack of clarity around which customers meet the requirements of the exemption process (i.e. have a valid exemption) is impossible to manage from a practical perspective," Hannifin said.
She said staff are facing a myriad of unacceptable behaviours including two staff members who were racially abused.
"Over the weekend we had 45 incidents reported, 21 deemed as serious. One team member was kicked multiple times by an offender and had to go to hospital. Another team member was shoved and scratched.
"Two team members were racially abused, multiple others were sworn at. Last weekend, a young team member was threatened with rape over an offender's refusal to wear a mask."
Hannifin said supermarket staff should be able to go to work without being assaulted or harassed.
"These types of threats are unacceptable for any Kiwi to experience while doing their job, but sadly it is something our team has had to, and continues to, face every single day."
Abuse against supermarket workers was highlighted last year when multiple people were stabbed in a Countdown in Dunedin and a terror attack took place at a Countdown in west Auckland.
Retail workers have also reported an increase in abusive behaviour. In 2021 a woman working in a retail store in Auckland's North Shore said customers regularly abuse and threaten to kill staff.
"Even before COVID-19 or between the levels it was something we, unfortunately, were used to and we have learnt to brush it off our shoulders... But it is worse than I have ever, ever seen it.
"This time around people just don't care, they're not patient, they are fed up and they just don't care," she said at the time.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
