Internet Split Over Whether Ex-Worker Was Right To Allow Struggling Parents To Steal Baby Formula And Diapers

Aug 17, 2022 by apost team

Raising children is hard work and not so easy on the wallet either. The rising cost of necessities such as baby formula and diapers can make a huge dent in your budget month after month, and going without is not an option.

For this reason, Brandon Tamayo admitted in a TikTok video that when he used to work as a Walmart greeter and check people’s receipts, there were some thieves he would turn a blind eye to. 

“And every time I saw a customer, mostly a woman, and I checked the receipt, I just said, ‘Have a great day.’”

He explained the reason he would do this was because he was sympathetic to the challenges of parenthood and understood it isn’t always so easy for moms and dads to get by, especially with the cost of items like formula and diapers. 

He added the company’s attitude toward its staff was not particularly motivating.

“Why? Because they're expensive and kids are expensive in general. In my store and the company in general, we didn't really get a reward for the amount of stuff we caught people stealing.”

Another factor that played into his reasoning was the fact he did not believe he was getting paid enough to take on the added responsibility of reporting on such thefts.

“I mean, they would tell me, ‘she's stealing, catch her,’ like, ‘check her receipt’ and I’m like ‘you’re good, have a great day.’ And AP (asset protection) would be p****d. Did I care? No, because I was making $11.50,” he said.

Tamayo’s admission split the TikTok community. While many praised him for what they interpreted as an act of heroism against the extortion of parents by the free market system, others saw his actions as nothing short of negligence and criminality.

Users lauded Tamayo as a hero for parents struggling to get by.

“Now this is true pro-life effort, actions like this help people that need it more than harassing someone who is seeking healthcare they need,” another user commented. “Think I speak for all women love you for this,” another comment read. “I love you!!! those were single moms struggling, right, what kind of reward was Billionaire Walmart giving you? Nothing.”

Some also pointed the finger at corporate greed as the main problem.

“Walmart is only concerned about Walmart … They don't care about employees. And he is so right,” one user wrote. “Companies make too much profit, even if they cut the prices they still would be making so much profit, but it’s not affecting them so they don’t care,” another said.

“Yes!!! This is awesome. Walmart is the biggest thief. They underpay workers, so taxpayers have to make up the difference in welfare,” a person wrote, while another said, “Walmart makes billions in revenue and gives it to the owners. They pay their workers slave wages. It's completely acceptable to steal from them.”

Others were quick to criticize Tamayo’s actions, saying nothing justified theft and those who could not afford to buy formula and diapers shouldn’t even be having children.

“Then pay for it … cause there’s hardworking ppl who actually pay for it no matter what. No excuse ... there are also resources out there to get formula,” one user wrote. “Honestly though if it’s too expensive for someone they shouldn’t be having kids lmao,” a person commented, while another wrote, “but theft is still theft at the end of the day it’s your choice to have a child.”

Others expressed fear for Tamayo’s wellbeing. “Don’t admit to crimes on the internet … but bless you.”

apost.com

What do you think of Brandon Tamayo’s actions? Do you think it’s right for struggling parents to be given a pass when it comes to stealing necessities for their children? Let us know, and pass this on to friends and family to find out what their opinions on the issue are.