Woolworths warehouse workers are being pushed to meet a 100% efficiency target under a new framework that staff describe as 'bullying' and unsafe, according to current and former employees. The supermarket giant, with a market capitalisation of about $40bn, has long tracked workers' every move, but late last year introduced a coaching program for those failing to meet the standard.
Workers who do not improve face disciplinary action and potential dismissal. Warning letters seen by Guardian Australia instruct staff to 'stop all time wasting and non-productive behaviors'. One worker, Tim, who has been with the company for over a decade, said he was injured while trying to increase his rating from 80% to 100%. 'Obviously, I can't keep up with him,' he said, referring to younger colleagues.
The system uses 'engineered standards' to calculate how long tasks should take, based on a 'person with reasonable skill, applying reasonable effort'. However, workers claim these standards are unrealistic and jeopardise safety. The United Workers Union has warned that pressure to work faster could lead to accidents, citing congestion and other 'gap times' not accounted for in the metrics.
A Woolworths spokesperson defended the framework, saying it ensures a 'fair approach' and that the company is committed to safe and productive workplaces. But workers like Ross argue the approach mirrors Amazon's, adding: 'We're not robots, we're humans.'
