WOOLIES has signed an agreement with a union alliance to ensure the safety of horticulture workers in the supply chain.
Woolworths Group signed a memorandum of understanding with the Retail Supply Chain Alliance in May to collaborate to safeguard the welfare of Australian workers.
Formed in 2019 the Retail Supply Chain Alliance is a partnership between the Transport Workers' Union (TWU); Australian Workers' Union (AWU); and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA).
The MoU partners will work to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of decent work and gender equality across the industry.
The groups will collaborate on worker education initiatives and industry engagement, including forums and workshops in key growing regions to enhance awareness of challenges and promote positive outcomes for all workers.
The practices of third-party labour-hire companies and increased transparency will be core to the MoU's objectives.
Woolworths Group's chief sustainability officer Alex Holt said it was an important milestone as the supermarket giant endeavours to partner with every level of the horticulture industry to promote fair conditions for the workers.
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"Australia's farmers work hard to feed families across the country and are valued partners in this work to support the experience of pickers, packers and other workers in the supply of fruit and vegetables," Ms Holt said.
"We know there's more progress to be made, and under our new partnership with the Alliance we look forward to deepening our engagement with workers, labour hire providers, farmers and legislators to create better experiences for the people who help deliver great Australian produce."
Coles signed onto an Ethical Retail Supply Chain Accord in 2019 with the RSCA.
Coles chief legal and safety officer David Brewster said the supermarket recognised a safe, sustainable, ethical and fair retail supply chain cannot be assured in the long term without the active participation of the people who work in them.
AWU national secretary Daniel Walton said consumers want ethically sourced produce, and farm workers want a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.
"This agreement will go a long way to promoting fair and ethical conditions for pickers, packers and other workers in the supply of fruit and vegetables right across Australia," Mr Walton said.
The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) congratulated Woolworths Group and the RSCA on the partnership, and the re-signing of the Ethical Retail Supply Chain Accord with Coles in April.
Outgoing AFPA chief executive officer Michael Rogers said such agreements would work in with last month's Horticulture Award adjustments which gave horticulture workers the minimum wage.
"We know that the changes to the Horticulture Award will set a clear and enforceable standard for employers, and will make identifying non-compliance with the award simpler for workers, regulatory agencies, unions and supply chain stakeholders," Mr Rogers said.
He said it showed Woolworths' commitment to only source fresh produce from suppliers that are able to meet a demonstrated standard.
"From our perspective, this MoU also outlines the RSCA's commitment to reporting employers that aren't meeting standards to relevant regulators for action," he said.
"This mechanism will ensure that only compliant suppliers are participating in the supply chain and that the new provisions in the Award are enforced."
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