Woolworths : #8203; ​reaffirms​ ​commitment​ ​to​ ​improving​ ​labour rights​ ​in​ ​fresh​ ​food​ ​supply​ ​chains

Wednesday, 22nd November 2017: Woolworths has today reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the human rights of all workers in the Group's operations and supply chains are protected.

As part of Woolworths' continuing review of its ethical sourcing practices, Woolworths has committed to working collaboratively with the National Union of Workers (NUW) and other interested stakeholders, to identify and address human rights risks in fresh food supply chains in Australia.

Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci said; 'Our belief is that finding the right solution to address human rights risks in horticultural supply chains in Australia will be best achieved by working collaboratively with farmers, governments and unions.

'We recognise the current efforts of these stakeholders, including the NUW, and are committed to actively participating in a process to deliver genuine improvements and sensible and practical reform.'

As part of this commitment, and following discussions with the NUW and the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR), Woolworths has committed to:

• work collaboratively towards the implementation of an agreed pre-qualification programme for labour-hire providers to ensure that all labour providers who wish to operate in Woolworths' direct fresh food supply chains comply with labour and human rights standards;
• support workers in Woolworths' supply chains: o to be educated about their workplace rights, including their right to join a labour union of their choice;
  • to have access to an effective grievance mechanism to ensure that human rights violations are reported, investigated and remediated; and
  • to be protected if they report human rights violations.

Brad Banducci added; 'These commitments will give effect to our pledge in our Woolworths Group Corporate Responsibility Strategy 2020 to work with peak organisations to improve workers' lives. They also strengthen Woolworths' ability to manage human rights risks and ensure compliance with Woolworths' Ethical Sourcing Policy and Policy for Employing or Engaging Overseas Workers.'

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For further information please contact the Woolworths Press Office on (02) 8885 1033