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CB Retail Stores Review of Wesfarmers Group
Wesfarmers Group

Wesfarmers Group review: False allegations of Harassment by Staff 1

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Author of the review
8:05 pm EDT
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I was a regular customer at Coles and was recently appalled and publicly embarrassed by the actions of one the Customer Service Representative of Coles. While purchasing a sim card Customer Service Manager approached me in the presence of other customers who were standing by, “Look, one of my staff member has approached me and said that you are harassing her”. I was shocked at what I was hearing, being made worse by the Manager’s abrasive tone. I was humiliated and so very upset about what had just transpired.
I said to the Manager whilst noticing at the time that others were watching and listening, that these allegations were completely untrue and I had never approached or even spoken to that staff member.
The Manager agreed that with me on this and said that staff member has confirmed that “I have never approached her counter or said anything to her”.
I have never acted in any way that could ever be considered to be harassment toward this staff member and the manager said that Staff member feels that you are harassing her by shopping at Coles on the weekends with my family. I was astounded at how ludicrous this whole matter was, increasingly I was left to feel more and more humiliated as this unfolded in the presence of other Coles staff members and members of the public, people in my community that I see regularly. These bystanders began looking on and listening to what was being discussed, there was never an option for a more private discussion offered by the Cole Manager despite how obviously uncomfortable the whole situation was for me.
I have never felt so publicly humiliated and embarrassed in all my life. Once again, I said to the Manager, I have not spoken to or approached this particular staff member and I asked why I was being publicly accused of harassing anyone, when all I wanted to do was my shopping. I had realised that I was not going to reach a resolution in the store, and feeling already humiliated, I apologised. I then advised that Manager that if the presence of me and family shopping in Coles Southlands on the weekends, made anyone feel like they were being harassed then me and my family would have no option then but to shop at Woolworths as it was very clear from the Manager and the treatment I had received from other staff that our business was not wanted.

I complaint to the Coles Customer care and Response I got was “we are satisfied the Coles team members have acted appropriately in the circumstances”.
All I wanted was to find out what was my fault and what did I do wrong? I am still baffled, how can I harass someone when I have never approached them?
Coles incident is perfect example that these big companies can impose their decision on us and we don’t have a choice but to accept this decision. I am very disappointed with this response. This is slap on the face but I am an everyday Australian, and I can’t afford to take a legal action.
Since this incident I have not shopped at Coles. People power can take down these big companies and hit them where it hurts. Has anyone had same experience with Coles and If you have any suggestion for me, please let me know.

1 comments
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arnold cook
, AU
Nov 13, 2018 12:56 pm EST

coles narrogin is the worst coles i have been in. the senior staff are rude the shelves are not stocked. deliberate under staffing. huge stress among the members. we need another super market in narrogin . the best way is to record and film then place it on line to shame this small company who think we are there to serve them shape up or ship out.