Staff at Woolworths will not be permitted to put on Indigenous or LGBTQI+ stickers on their badges, based on a leaked memo on gown code which has stirred outrage from some staff.
The corporate memo, first reported by 7 Information on Saturday, states the sartorial modifications have come about attributable to “just lately noticed occasion of poor gown requirements which will pose a possible meals security danger and/or damage in our shops.”
“Following retailer visits and crew suggestions, we’ve reviewed and revised our Gown Requirements pointers to replicate steering and expectations for our crew,” the memo from February 19 states.
Whereas earlier crew members may put on stickers on their badges exhibiting the flag of Indigenous or LGBTQI+ Australians, Woolworths now says: “Show your identify badge on high of the helpful inexperienced dots in your clothes. Hold your identify badge clear and tidy. No stickers are to be added to your badge.”
One employee informed 7 Information the badge change went “too far”.
“On our badges, we’ve stickers that they inspired us to put on,” he stated.
“The stickers are the Indigenous flag, LGBT flag and the LGBT Ally flag sticker.
“Now they need us to take away all stickers on our badges.”
NCA NewsWire understands the modifications are a “most well-liked gown code” and don’t stipulate absolute guidelines.
It’s understood the aim of the identify badge is to show the crew member’s identify and that’s the reason the corporate needs it to be saved clear and away from stickers.
Different modifications to the gown code embody pointers on bottoms and polo shirts.
Crew members should put on a black polo, both a Woolworths polo or their very own, and keep away from sporting model logos.
“Black or darkish colored pants, skirts and knee size shorts are excellent,” the memo states.
“Go away your ripped pants, gymnasium leggings or any bottoms with different seen model logos at residence.
“Layer up with a inexperienced Woolworths jacket, vest or black jumper to maintain you heat.
“Hoodies and outerwear with different model logos usually are not permitted.”
ASX-listed Woolworths is Australia’s largest meals retailer and boasts greater than 190,000 crew members throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The corporate has struggled by means of a sequence of public relations challenges in 2024.
Some neighborhood members known as for a boycott of the retailer earlier within the yr after it introduced it will not promote Australia Day merchandise for the January 26 Public Vacation.
An upcoming Senate inquiry can even check whether or not Woolworths has engaged in worth gouging practices and shopper sentiment in regards to the legendary model has plummeted as cost-of-living pressures chunk on the checkout
CEO Brad Banducci introduced his shock retirement on Wednesday morning after almost 9 years on the helm.
Amanda Bardwell, the previous head of WooliesX, will exchange Mr Banducci as CEO in September.
