Convenience store worker refuses to serve customers who don't say 'hi' back to her, sparks debate

A viral video that has emerged on social media has sparked a debate after it appears to show a convenience store worker refusing to serve customers who don't say "hi" back to her.

The video was originally shared on TikTok by user @winterwitch22msze1, where it has since amassed more than 1.2 million views.

Appearing to take place at a Stewart Shops store, the video is captioned: "This is no way to treat customers!"

In the clip, a person can be seen waiting in line to pay for their gas, before the employee behind the counter says: "Hi, how are you?" Not responding to the greeting, the customer just informs the worker which pump they had used.

The employee then replies: "I said, 'Hi, how are you?'" After not getting a reply, the employee says: "Okay. I won't be serving you today. No problem." The employee then continues to serve the next customer.

The now-viral video is also accompanied by the message: "This girl refuses to wait on people if they don't say hello, there are many reasons why some people may not be able to, this isn't okay & could cause a bigger issue for someone just trying to pay for something!"

A second video shared by @winterwitch22msze1 apparently shows the employee once again refusing to serve customers who don't reply to her greeting and was captioned: "For those who have disabilities or anxiety this is not ok I have seen this happen 4 times now."

The video has unsurprisingly left people on TikTok divided, with some users agreeing that the employee's actions were out of line.

One comment read: "She needs to be fired! Its not the customers job to say Hi… its HERS [sic]."

Another TikToker added: "I get her frustration also working in customer service but if I turned away every customer unwilling to acknowledge my kindness, I wouldnt have a job."

And a third wrote: "Wow, hope she gets fired for this people have a busy day and in for gas to get to work and you get this, if I don’t want to speak back I have that [right]."

However, others were firmly on the side of the employee, reiterating that manners cost nothing and a simply 'hello' back doesn't hurt anyone.

One supporter commented: "Fully on her side. Why do people think they can just not treat a person like a human simply because they're standing behind a register?"

"Employee 100% is GOAT. It’s time for people to learn to be respectful," added a second.

One person in agreement asked: "Yeah but how long it takes to say fine and u good lord who raised yall [sic]."

"I can’t imagine not acknowledging the person who acknowledged me by saying Hello. Customer service does not mean mistreatment is allowed," wrote another.

As somebody who worked many years in customer service, I can absolutely understand the frustration of not having people be polite to you when you're simply greeting them.

But what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!

Featured image credit: Tetra Images, LLC / Alamy (Stock image)