On Tuesday 7/03/2023, Transport workers delivered a claim to Australia’s top retailers, including Aldi themselves, Apple, Amazon, and more. This claim follows the devastating collapse of Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics, Australia’s largest cold chain operator. Scott’s was in the supply chain of 22 of the 40 companies to receive the client claim.
The client claim’s six principles are as follows:
Safety and fairness –Clients are accountable for safety and fairness throughout their supply chains.
Transparency – Transport contracts are transparent so no worker falls through the cracks.
Collective voice – Transport workers must be able to collectively stand up and speak out.
Education and consultation – Workers are trained and consulted on issues that impact their pay and safety.
Lifting standards – Clients must eliminate incentives or pressure to cut corners in safety.
Disaster planning – Workers must have tools to safely navigate natural disasters and other disruptions.
Hundreds of truck drivers and logistics workers across the country marched on Aldi stores to hand-deliver the claim. In NSW, Delegates marched in front of Aldi Minchinbury to send a very clear message: those at the top need to be held accountable, and transport workers will always stand up and let their voices be heard.
Historically speaking, Aldi has attempted to silence transport workers’ speaking out on safety in their supply chains, which saw the retail giant lose two legal battles. The resilient and determined workers in the transport industry have made their collective voice heard, demonstrating that they will not back down and be silenced.
NSW/QLD State Secretary, Richard Olsen, said, “The workers in the Transport Industry aren’t asking for anything outrageous. In fact, what we are fighting for is only fair. We have had enough of wealthy retailers ignoring their responsibilities towards safety and fairness throughout their supply chains. Those at the top need to be held accountable.”
The TWU is committed to bringing the fight to majors in 2023. The Federal Government has committed to setting enforceable standards in Transport to make the industry safer, fairer and more sustainable. Along with the powerful action taken yesterday, transport workers are committed to further protests and convoys in the coming weeks and months.