Media Release
Union alliance and Woolworths partnership should support all workers
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The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) congratulates Woolworths Group and the Retail Supply Chain Alliance (RSCA) on their recently agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“We congratulate the RSCA and Woolworths on this step forward in their working relationship. We welcome the support of all workers in the retail supply chain, including those that work within the horticulture industry” said AFPA CEO Michael Rogers.
The AFPA earlier also supported the re-signing of an Ethical Supply Chain Accord between the RSCA and Coles, and outlined the importance of enforcement, particularly in relation to recent changes to the piecework provisions within the Horticulture Award.
“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” said Mr Rogers.
The AFPA have been vocal in calling for enforcement of the new piece rate standards and ensuring that there is a level playing field among all producers in terms of compliance.
“This MoU is important because it demonstrates a commitment from Woolworths 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. This mechanism will ensure that only compliant suppliers are participating in the supply chain and that the new provisions in the Award are enforced” said Mr Rogers.
The AFPA continues to encourage all parts of the supply chain to refer non-compliance from employers to relevant authorities.
“Regulators like FWO, Australian Border Force and state labour hire licensing authorities have critically important roles in ensuring compliance, however, they are only as good as the information that they receive. In terms of ensuring ethical retail supply chains and compliance with the Award, we continue to encourage the RSCA and Woolworths to report any allegations of wrong-doing or non-compliance to the relevant regulator” said Mr Rogers.
For more information or to make reports of any breaches or employment standards or conditions, relevant contact points include: • Fair Work Ombudsman: 13 13 94 or Anonymous Reporting • Australian Border Force (ABF): Border Watch Online Reporting• QLD Labour Hire Licensing Authority: 1300 576 088 or via the online form• Victorian Labour Hire Licensing Authority: 1300 545 200 or via the online form• South Australian Labour Hire Licensing Authority: 131 882 or occupational@sa.gov.au• Woolworths “Speak Up”: 1800 772 173 or Speak Up Media Contact: Michael Rogers - CEO, AFPA: 0409 648 911
About AFPA - The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) is made up of Australia’s key fresh produce growers and suppliers. AFPA members represent half the industry turnover of the Australian fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) sector - $4.5 billion of the $9.1 billion total; 1,000 plus growers through commercial arrangements and more than 15,000 direct employees through peak harvest, and up to 25,000 in the grower network.
“We congratulate the RSCA and Woolworths on this step forward in their working relationship. We welcome the support of all workers in the retail supply chain, including those that work within the horticulture industry” said AFPA CEO Michael Rogers.
The AFPA earlier also supported the re-signing of an Ethical Supply Chain Accord between the RSCA and Coles, and outlined the importance of enforcement, particularly in relation to recent changes to the piecework provisions within the Horticulture Award.
“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” said Mr Rogers.
The AFPA have been vocal in calling for enforcement of the new piece rate standards and ensuring that there is a level playing field among all producers in terms of compliance.
“This MoU is important because it demonstrates a commitment from Woolworths 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. This mechanism will ensure that only compliant suppliers are participating in the supply chain and that the new provisions in the Award are enforced” said Mr Rogers.
The AFPA continues to encourage all parts of the supply chain to refer non-compliance from employers to relevant authorities.
“Regulators like FWO, Australian Border Force and state labour hire licensing authorities have critically important roles in ensuring compliance, however, they are only as good as the information that they receive. In terms of ensuring ethical retail supply chains and compliance with the Award, we continue to encourage the RSCA and Woolworths to report any allegations of wrong-doing or non-compliance to the relevant regulator” said Mr Rogers.
For more information or to make reports of any breaches or employment standards or conditions, relevant contact points include: • Fair Work Ombudsman: 13 13 94 or Anonymous Reporting • Australian Border Force (ABF): Border Watch Online Reporting• QLD Labour Hire Licensing Authority: 1300 576 088 or via the online form• Victorian Labour Hire Licensing Authority: 1300 545 200 or via the online form• South Australian Labour Hire Licensing Authority: 131 882 or occupational@sa.gov.au• Woolworths “Speak Up”: 1800 772 173 or Speak Up Media Contact: Michael Rogers - CEO, AFPA: 0409 648 911
About AFPA - The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) is made up of Australia’s key fresh produce growers and suppliers. AFPA members represent half the industry turnover of the Australian fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) sector - $4.5 billion of the $9.1 billion total; 1,000 plus growers through commercial arrangements and more than 15,000 direct employees through peak harvest, and up to 25,000 in the grower network.