Aldi to tackle slavery in its supply chain

Aldi has become the first Australian member of UK-based Slave-Free Alliance, a social enterprise that works with and supports businesses to create a supply chain free of slavery.

The partnership comes almost a year after Aldi identified a number of high-risk areas in its local supply chain.

Together, the businesses will conduct a ‘Human Rights Risk Assessment’ of Aldi’s local supply chain operations and will roll out ‘Modern Slavery Awareness Training’ for the supermarket’s local employees and business partners.

The aim is to ensure all of Aldi’s employees with sourcing responsibilities, as well as its merchandise suppliers, are knowledgeable of the risks of modern slavery, and can take actions to address them when identified.

“Modern slavery is a complex issue requiring thorough and progressive action,” said Aldi Australia corporate responsibility director Daniel Baker.

“We understand the significant impact we can have on intercepting the exploitation of workers within our supply chain and our partnership with Slave-Free Alliance will help to ensure modern slavery continues to be identified and addressed.”

Lynette Kay, director of Slave-Free Alliance in Australia, said it is incredibly important for businesses to take a holistic approach when it comes to dealing with supply chain issues, and that working with all parties involved is key to success.

“We are delighted that Aldi Australia is leading the way in Australia’s fight against modern slavery, and we are looking forward to working together to achieve our shared goal; a slave-free supply chain,” Kay said.

“We hope that other businesses will follow its example so that we can tackle modern slavery collectively.”