Supermarket giant Coles has signed an agreement with the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) to provide more training for truck drivers who transport their goods.

Under the new agreement, the supermarket chain will also look at new ways for its transport workers to unload trucks more efficiently to reduce the time they have to spend on the road, improving their safety.

“This indicates to the community what can be achieved with good corporate citizens on board,” said Tony Sheldon, TWU national secretary.

The deal includes five principles to ensure safety within Coles’ supply chain: the ongoing promotion of safety and fairness ; transparency on supply chain information ; ensuring workers are treated fairly and have the right opportunity to contribute to a collective voice ; education, training and consultation of workers on safety ; and initiatives to ensure safety in the industry more broadly. The five principles will underpin a charter between Coles and the TWU.

“Coles and the TWU are saying through these principles that there is no higher priority than safety and fairness in the Coles supply chain and the on-demand economy,” Sheldon said.

John Durkan, Coles managing director, said their business and the businesses of their Australian suppliers rely on the skill and the efforts of the workers in their supply chain.

“As our business evolves to meet the constantly-changing needs of our customers, we are also increasingly engaged with the on-demand economy,” Durkan said.

“The people who work in these sectors make an invaluable contribution not just economically but to the community as a whole,” he said. “We are proud to make this commitment that their safety and fair treatment will always be a top priority for Coles.”

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