Australian horticulture industry workers will be the big winners when Retail Supply Chain Alliance members meet in Cairns tomorrow to renew the Ethical Retail Supply Chain Accord.
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).
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine noted that: "All parties to the Accord are committed to ending all forms of worker exploitation in the retail supply chain, from farms to consumers' front gates, and every step in between."
AWU National Secretary Daniel Walton said: "Safeguarding human rights in the Australian horticulture industry is a critical responsibility for participants at all levels of the supply chain. This is a growing industry, with workers on our farms coming from around the world. Consumers want ethically sourced produce, and farm workers want a fair day's pay for a fair day's work."
SDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer said: "Retail Supply Chain Alliance members are committed to the goal of a safe, sustainable, ethical, and fair retail supply chain in which no worker regardless of their employment status, citizenship or visa status needs to fear exploitation, wage theft, bullying, sexual harassment, unsafe work, or modern slavery."
All parties also recognise that by working together across the horticulture supply chain they can better protect the rights and conditions of workers in the industry.
Coles Chief Legal and Safety Officer, David Brewster said: "As a socially responsible corporate entity, Coles recognises that 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."
The signing will coincide with a Fair Go for Farm Workers Community Forum being held in Mareeba on Friday, April 22, from 5:30pm.
The forum is a chance for workers, the community and industry leaders to meet and discuss how unions, farmers, and supermarkets can achieve safe workplaces with fair wages and conditions for all farm workers in the Atherton Tablelands.
All farm workers, including seasonal workers, Pacific Labour Scheme workers, visa holders, and backpackers are welcome.
The forum will be held at Mareeba Sports Hall, 183 Walsh Street, Mareeba. It is free to attend, and there will be free food and drinks.
