Complaints are piling up on social media against Bermuda’s two largest supermarket chains as parents and senior citizens express frustration over the stores’ controversial tipping system for grocery packers.
Traditionally, Bermuda shoppers often tip individuals who pack their groceries—a small but meaningful source of income for many young people and seniors. However, these tips have recently been tied to a card system created by the supermarkets, where customers can load tips for packers onto a store card instead of offering cash.
The issue? Packers are only able to spend the money stored on these cards within the supermarket itself.
“This system is fundamentally unfair,” said one concerned parent. “For seniors, especially those who rely on these tips to pay for medication, insurance, or basic living expenses, it’s a rip-off. They earn this money, but they can’t use it outside the store. It only benefits the supermarkets.”
The problem is particularly pressing for older Bermudians who stand for hours packing groceries, sometimes earning $200 to $300 in tips over a weekend. For many, that income could stretch a long way for essential expenses, but the current restrictions force them to purchase goods exclusively from the supermarket, leaving them unable to address other financial needs.
Residents are calling for the system to be overhauled to allow grocery packers the option to cash out their earnings.
“This system feels exploitative,” said one senior who packs groceries to make ends meet. “We work hard for this money, and it’s disheartening to feel like we don’t truly have access to it.”
The growing backlash has prompted calls for supermarkets to take immediate action. Advocates for seniors and young workers argue that the tipping system needs to be flexible, empowering packers to decide how they use their hard-earned income.
TNN will continue to follow this story as more complaints come to light. For now, Bermuda residents are urging the supermarkets to step up and create a fairer system—one that doesn’t prioritize corporate profits over the livelihoods of its workers.
Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
User comments posted on this website are solely the views and opinions of the comment writer and are not a representation of or reflection of the opinions of TNN or its staff.
TNN reserves the right to remove, edit or censor any comments.
TNN accepts no liability and will not be held accountable for the comments made by users.