Woolworths suspends operations with major supplier over alleged “demeaning” workforce practice
- Replies 38
Woolworths suspends operations with major supplier over alleged “demeaning” workforce practice
Woolworths has recently announced that it will be suspending arrangements with Teys Australia after a union body has called on the supermarket giant to take action on the alleged labour abuse of the abattoir towards its COVID-positive employees.
Australian Council on Trade Unions accused Woolies’ major meat supplier, Teys Australia, of imposing a demeaning labour practice. Credit: InsideRetailer.com.
Australian Council on Trade Unions (ACTU) president Michele O'Neil released a statement on Saturday, calling out the "demeaning" practice that Teys Australia — one of Woolworths' main suppliers — imposed on their workers in South Australia where they were instructed to wear coloured hairnets depending on their infection status.
Ms O'Neil said in a statement: “Woolworths is turning a blind eye to the exploitation of workers by a major food supplier in the supermarket’s supply chain ... who are forcing workers to continue turning up for work even though they are infected.”
The union president also divulged that while the practice was demeaning to the workers, the staff are reluctant to take a stand.
Woolworths announced the suspension of operations with Teys Australia SA over alleged “demeaning” practices towards employees. Credit: AAP.
However, the supermarket giant denied the claims, saying that the temporary COVID measures introduced by the authorities at the abattoir were out of their control.
A Woolworths spokeswoman confirmed the company's decision to suspend operations with Teys Australia SA, saying: “all supply through Tey’s South Australian facility while we work with Teys, SA Health and Safework SA to understand the protocols currently in place for their team and operations”.
It should be noted, however, that the supermarket retailer will continue to process meat through Teys’ facilities in other states and announced that it will source additional supply from partners.
It is understood that health officials took the supply chain crisis into account when deciding to approve the exceptional arrangements at the Naracoorte abattoir between Monday and Thursday last week in a bid to keep up with demand as supplies in supermarket stores dwindle. However, these measures have since been scrapped.
.png){kind=icon}
