‘It’s not just scanning and packing’: Shelia Jones* has worked for Tesco for over two decades. Here, she explains why she joined the Tesco Equal Pay Now campaign.
I have worked for Tesco as a checkout operator for 24 years and in all that time I have always thought that it was unfair that workers in the warehouses are paid more. So, when I read about the supermarket Equal Pay Now campaign and found out that we could make a claim I signed up.
Being part of the claim hasn’t had any impact on my day-to-day work. I’m not treated any differently by my manager because I’ve joined the claim, in fact as far as I’m aware they don’t know that I’m involved.
Equal pay is not something that’s really talked about in my store but just because it’s not spoken about doesn’t mean it’s not important.
A lot of people have the wrong idea of what it’s like to work on the checkouts. We have a lot of responsibility and have to keep up with all the training.
It’s not just a case of scanning and packing. We have to enforce age restrictions, deal with cash, and make sure we are doing it quickly to meet targets.
But one of the biggest differences between our work and that of warehouse staff is dealing with customers, making sure they have had a good experience and got what they needed so they go away satisfied. We also have to deal with customers who are rude which can be very stressful.
In all the time I’ve worked for Tesco I’ve done my best to make sure I give good customer service, and so do my colleagues in store, but sometimes I don’t feel valued for the service I give. That’s why I’ve joined the fight for equal pay.
*Name has been changed to protect her identity
Click here to find more information on the Tesco Equal Pay Now campaign and how you can join.
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