A SUPERMARKET owner has paid tribute to his staff and hit out at verbally abusive customers in a powerful statement posted online.
Eugene Scally, the owner of Scally's Supervalu in Clonakilty, has spoken up on social media after a member of staff became the latest to fall victim to a shopper unhappy with the current COVID-19 restrictions.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced supermarkets to change the way they operate to ensure customer and staff safety is maintained at all times.
However, the changes have resulted in some frustration on the part of shoppers which, on a few occasions, has boiled over into ugly scenes.
All too often workers have suffered the brunt of this abuse.
It’s a situation that has ultimately proven too much for Scally.
Writing in a lengthy statement after a day of work that left him “emotionally exhausted” Scally defended the “heroes” working on “our frontline” to keep shelves fully stock.
Dear customers.
It is with deep regret that we have come to the point where we feel that we need to post this message. COVID-19 has affected all of us in many ways, and none more so than our team #challenges #COVID19— SuperValu Clonakilty (@ScallySupervalu) April 24, 2020
“COVID-19 has affected all of us in many ways, and none more so than our team,” he wrote.
“Despite the daily risks associated with coming to work, our team continue to get up early, pack the shelves and look after you in store. They are our frontline. They are our heroes.
(2) Despite the daily risks associated with coming to work, our team continue to get up early, pack the shelves and look after you in store.. They are our frontline. They are our heroes. #everydayhero
— SuperValu Clonakilty (@ScallySupervalu) April 24, 2020
“Unfortunately, some of you feel that it is acceptable to verbally abuse them when requested to observe the new guidelines imposed as a result of COVID-19.
“While we have always welcomed our customers with open arms, our new requests to shop alone, to stand back, to be patient are there to keep everyone safe.
(3) Unfortunately, some of you feel that it is acceptable to verbally abuse them when requested to observe the new guidelines imposed as a result of COVID-19. While we have always welcomed our customers with open arms, our new requests to shop alone, to stand back, to be patient
— SuperValu Clonakilty (@ScallySupervalu) April 24, 2020
“Our team are doing their best to control numbers in store and maintain social distancing while trying to go about their own daily activities.
" While we accept that everybody is on edge given the ongoing restrictions, it is unfair and unacceptable to take frustrations out on people who are doing their utmost to give you their time and serve you.
(4) are there to keep everyone safe. Our team are doing their best to control numbers in store and maintain social distancing while trying to go about their own daily activities. #flattenthecurve
— SuperValu Clonakilty (@ScallySupervalu) April 24, 2020
“The current restrictions and requests being made within the store are the new normal. These will continue to be part of normal trading conditions for the foreseeable future.
“We would ask that you respect the new guidelines, respect our team members and do your best to keep everyone safe.
(5) While we accept that everybody is on edge given the ongoing restrictions, it is unfair and unacceptable to take frustrations out on people who are doing their utmost to give you their time and serve you.
— SuperValu Clonakilty (@ScallySupervalu) April 24, 2020
“While this request will only apply to a small minority of people, we would like to thank all our customers for shopping with us and look forward to better days.”
A powerful statement of support, Scally’s words resonated with many Irish folk online, who were quick to praise the incredible work being done by supermarket staff across the country.
(6) The current restrictions and requests being made within the store are the new normal. These will continue to be part of normal trading conditions for the foreseeable future. We would ask that you respect the new guidelines, respect our team members....
— SuperValu Clonakilty (@ScallySupervalu) April 24, 2020
“You’re doing a great job! Thank you,” one wrote.
“Supermarket employees are unsung heroes and heroines,” another added.
(7) and do your best to keep everyone safe.
While this request will only apply to a small minority of people, we would like to thank all our customers for shopping with us and look forward to better days.#BeKind— SuperValu Clonakilty (@ScallySupervalu) April 24, 2020
BBC News presenter Tadhg Enright was among those to respond to the tweet.
" Such a shame that you’ve to write this post but it’s clear you’re doing a fantastic job in extraordinary circumstances,” he said.
“Emergency services personnel get into the field knowing that heroism is part of the job but supermarket staff have become the accidental heroes of this time.”
Shelf Life, Ireland’s largest independently audited grocery fast moving consumer goods trade publication, meanwhile, said:
“Retail outlets can only remain open because of the efforts and commitment of the people working within the industry. Show them the appreciation deserved. Keep up the great work.”
The Retailers Guild Ireland also wrote: "Sad to read this as assumed that front line works included those providing essential services, such as grocery, delivery, waste collections, Garda, medical, military, protection, and more! We all appreciate and support every front line worker."
Speaking for everyone at the Irish Post, we appreciate the efforts of frontline worker. Thank you.
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