Sarcastic Staff

On the 2nd of January 2024, I went to Checkers Hyper in Arcon Park, Vereeniging. Upon proceeding to the pay-point, I queued behind customers, upon which my mom walked down the aisle to find a pay-point which was not as busy. I noticed that she asked a cashier if her pay-point/check out area was open, seeing that there were no customers, yet clients were queuing at other pay-points. At first, she apparently did say yes, but my mom being a 75 year old lady, and whose hearing is not of the best did not hear her initial reply and asked her again – now may I say that my mom is very polite, in fact at times too polite as this was the case here. When the cashier responded for a 2nd time, my mom called me, but she stepped away, and I don’t think that Ntswaki Maphomane – the cashier - realized that I was approaching the pay-point. As I approached the pay-point, she was busy disrespecting my mother, which the packer obviously also enjoyed by demonstrating that when the pay-point is closed there will be a steel barrier (which we all know, especially my mom who has been a customer for many years!!!), which means it is closed. Her manner of speaking and even demonstrating this was extremely sarcastic, as if she was explaining it to a toddler or a mentally undeveloped person. When I saw this, I was obviously not impressed. Mutual respect is key.

1. If the till point was open, why was she not facing the public instead of standing with her back to the till point and chatting with the packer. Surely if she has any pride in her work, she could have taken note of the other queues in the store and asked her packer or a Supervisor to direct clients to her pay-point.

2. I obviously made her aware of the fact that I did not appreciate what she did, and told her, it’s a simple “yes” or “no”, no need to demonstrate whilst the client is not looking at you, making fun of her, thus trying to humiliate her.

3. Now for the worst part - she did not know that I could understand exactly what she was blabbering in an aggrieve manor in her native language. At this point I really had to contain myself. She was just going off about how rude I am, how she cannot wait for her lunch time, etc.

Now how unprofessional is this. Not only did she show no respect towards her Employer and fellow colleagues to assist with customer flow, by obviously not wanting to assist clients, she then makes obvious sarcastic remarks behind the back of a client and then continues to insult us in her native language whilst we are standing right in front of her – and as I noted, I understood every word, and really had to contain myself, but I will not stand for such disrespect.

I have noticed that this has become a common practice for the cashiers to have conversations with one another whilst having to assist clients and on many occasions, did not get my cash back because they are too busy enjoying social chats whilst assisting customers.

I don’t have a problem with cheerfulness staff and absolutely adore friendly staff, but I do stand for being professional whilst attending to clients. It is the first time in my life that I report a Checkers Staff member, but must admit, I have never experienced this kind of unprofessionalism before. I don’t think this cashier is suitable for her position, seeing that she: 1. Lacks professional communication skill and conduct. 2. Has no sense of professionalism. 3. Is rude and insulting towards clients. 4. Make unacceptable rude remarks whilst a client is standing right in front of her.

Mutual respect is key - She could have just answered with a clear yes or no.

She is surely not suitable for the position.