Earlier this week, we reported that supermarket giant Woolworths has suspended its operations with meat supplier Teys Australia’s Naracoorte branch after the alleged ‘labour abuse’ towards its COVID-positive employees.

However, after only a few days, Woolworths has lifted the decision and will resume using the South Australian abattoir to process their meat supplies, starting from Friday.


Last week, around 140 workers were confirmed to be COVID-positive at Teys Australia's Naracoorte site.

On Sunday, Sage Murray, the general manager for operations, sent the employees a letter, thanking them for their “understanding and patience during this time”. However, they were not excused from their working commitments, despite their infection.

“As per our call to you today — and as confirmed by SA Health — you are required to present for work tomorrow [Monday] as normal unless you are feeling unwell,” wrote Mr Murray.

"This applies even if you have tested positive to COVID-19 either by a PCR or rapid test [RAT] and also if you are currently isolating because you are a close contact.”

After representatives from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) called for Woolworths to take action, the Woolworths group swiftly followed by suspending the processing of its meat at the Naracoorte plant.


However, after only a few days, Woolworths confirmed it would resume operations with the ‘infected’ abattoir.

“After consultation with Teys, SA Health and Safework SA, we are satisfied that the COVID management protocols in place at the Naracoorte site meet the relevant health requirements,” said a spokesperson for Woolworths.

“We continue to work with all our meat supply partners to prioritise COVID safety and provide quality Australian meat to our customers. Together, we are working to move as much stock through the supply chain as possible to meet our customers' needs during this challenging time.”

Teys Australia welcomed the supermarket chain’s announcement, and added that “the health and safety of the people have always been their first priority”.

“At all times, our Naracoorte facility has operated to the highest standards and in line with the requirements of SA Health and Worksafe SA,” they said.

According to the meat-processing company, no employees working at the site have tested positive in the past week. They also require their employees who have contracted the virus to undergo at least seven days in isolation to be able to return to work, in line with SA Health protocols.