Commissary Baggers

  • Published
The Commander' s Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander. 

QUESTION 

Col. Kennedy,

My question is in regards to the civilians that work at the base commissary. Would it ever be possible to have the cashiers bag groceries or even just hire a few dedicated baggers and have them on the payroll? It is a big inconvenience for me personally because I never carry cash on me in order to tip the baggers, and I don't want the judgment that will be undoubtedly passed on me for being a "No-Tipper". Additionally, with food cost going up, many people shop at the commissary in order to save some much needed money. These are tough times for a lot of people, I'm sure many valuable commissary customers would not mind bagging their own items.


Col. Kevin Kennedy
Col. Kevin
Kennedy
  RESPONSE

Thank you for your question, we did some research on the directives that cover our commissary operations and according to DeCA Directive 40-1 bagger and carryout services are provided to commissary patrons by independent contractors. They are not commissary employees and are compensated by our tips when they help us out with our groceries. However, you are not required to use their services or are you required to tip - though it is encouraged. If you do not want to use the bagger's services please let the cashier know before you begin checking out and you will be allowed to bag your own groceries.