There seem to be indications that the Australian food supply chain is increasingly taking worker exploitation seriously. Now, a major supermarket is aligning with key union groups.
The supermarket chain, Coles, has committed to work with an alliance of unions to address worker exploitation and risks to safety in the Australian fresh food industry.
The Transport Workers' Union, the Australian Workers' Union and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association have all come aboard in order to pursue safe and fair conditions for workers across its fresh produce and meat supply chains.
The move was announced at the TWU National Council in Cairns earlier this year.
It follows two agreements with the TWU last year which cover the Coles transport supply chain and delivery work in the on-demand economy. The agreement promotes transparency and end-to-end compliance with the Coles supply chains.
Worker exploitation unacceptable
TWU national secretary, Michael Kaine, said worker exploitation in any part of the Australian fresh food supply chain was not acceptable: "Underpayment of wages and superannuation and unsafe working conditions must be addressed. Coles has been working with the TWU to ensure safety and fairness in road transport and it has shown its commitment to continue to work with its supply chains to ensure that all workers are treated in accordance with Australian workplace legislation."
Source: goodfruitandvegetables.com.au