Holiday Shopping Statement from RWDSU

As the holiday shopping season gets underway and in-store shopping increases, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), issued the following statement urging holiday shoppers and employers to treat retail workers with dignity and respect amid continued supply-chain issues: “As retailers start their holiday shopping sales earlier than ever this year, the stress and pressure for retail workers during the holiday season is being extended by additional weeks. At the same time, incidents of harassment, violence and hate are continuing to rise in stores – causing workers to worry about their physical safety and mental health.

“The supply chain is still precarious. Retail workers bear the brunt of shoppers’ frustration. Tempers quickly rise when customers hear that coveted holiday items are stuck in transit and have been backordered for months; and especially if they’ve gone to multiple stores only to go home empty handed.

“Workers are not to blame, and stores should provide security, safety protocols and training to handle irate shoppers this season as well as safe staffing levels to meet the longer demand period. And shoppers need to remember what this season is supposed to be all about – love, generosity and kindness. Shoppers need to treat workers with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Click here to view the statement on RWDSU's website.