Coles and the Transport Workers Union have together signed a charter which commits both to higher standards of safety and fairness and works to ensure the health of workers.

The pair have been working on the charter since 2018, and with it signed Coles will now  be able to establish pilot programs with businesses in the road transport and gig economy sectors.

“Coles relies on the skill and dedication of thousands of transport workers across Australia, and we have always recognised their right to a safe and healthy working environment,” Coles CEO Steven Cain said.

“Health, safety and wellbeing are at the core of our culture at Coles, and the process we establish through this carter with the TWU will help us maintain that same focus on safety throughout our transport supply chain.”

Coles chief operations officer Matt Swindells said the two organisations have a common goal in keeping supply chains safe, and that a collaborative effort will be far more effective.

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said signing the charter sets the bar very high in terms of investigating the issues raised by truck drivers, logistics workers and food delivery riders.

“Road transport is a deadly industry and it requires responsible corporate citizens standing up and acting in the interests of the community, as Coles is doing,” said Kaine.

“This charter is ground-breaking in continuing to prioritise safety and fairness in one of the biggest retail supply chains in Australia.”