Woolworths has issued new rules to its vegetable and fruit suppliers in the wake of a Fairwork Ombudsman inquiry into pay and working conditions for seasonal harvest workers.
In an attempt to weed out exploitation in its supply chain, Woolworths has contacted its horticulture suppliers to advise them of a new sourcing policy stating only 'certified' labour hire firms can be used on their farms.
The labor hire firms can either be registered with the Queensland state government or be an "approved employer" under the federal government's Seasonal Worker Program, or be certified by a third-party vetting scheme run by independent company StaffSure, according to Fairfax Media.
Under the revised regulations, suppliers must also make sure all overseas workers are given information about workplace rights, have an avenue for filing complaints if they believe they have been treated badly, and have the right to join a union.
According to Woolworths, the responsibility falls on farms to ensure that every worker has the legal right to work in Australia, and to pay the labour hire firm enough so they can meet workers’ minimum statutory entitlements.
Woolworths and Coles sell about half the $18 billion of fresh fruit and vegetables Australians buy every year.
