Don't want to pay for your gas?

We are addicted to oil.

It dictates so much of our way of life that even I am oblivious 90% of the time to it.

Every now and again though, the oblivious veil lifts and the stark truth about oil surfaces.

Usually it's an oil spill, but this time it's a gas station attendant being hit and dragged by the driver of an SUV who didn't want to pay for a $112 worth of gas.

Incidents of people taking off instead of paying for gas rise in correlation with an increase in the price of gas, which is not surprising.

What is surprising in a recent tragic story coming out of Ontario, is that the management at this particular Shell station holds employees responsible for customers who do not pay for their gas.

I would like to know what measures management has in place to offset such incidents from occurring?

Oh, you don't have such measures in place.

If someone comes in to rob the gas station at gun point, I'm sure employees are told not to try and be Steven Segal, and Kung Fu the robber.

You give the robber the cash and then call the police.

So why should a gas station attendant, who is often being paid minimum wage, risk their life if someone is determined to drive away without paying for gas, which is robbery and the vehicle a potential weapon much like a gun?

Something is wrong if an employer puts their product and/or service before the safety of employees.

I think the federal government needs to step in and pass legislation making pay before you pump mandatory.

Don't worry, the oil industry can afford it, and we are not about to give up our vehicles.