THE Australian Meat Industry Council has established a Migrant Worker Employer Code of Conduct, in a bid to underscore the red meat industry’s commitment to the fair and ethical treatment of migrant workers.

The Voluntary Code of Conduct is an independently audited certification program used by livestock processors and other employers in the red meat sector to demonstrate compliance with industry best practice and regulations relating to migrant workers. The program was developed by AMIC and the Australian Meat Processing Corporation and is independently audited by AusMeat.

By becoming signatories, members signal their dedication to upholding the highest standards of workplace fairness and ethical treatment of all employees, particularly those from migrant backgrounds.

AMIC chief executive officer Patrick Hutchinson highlighted the leadership of the industry in developing this code and the benefits of becoming a signatory.

“AMIC is extremely proud to launch the Migrant Worker Employer Code of Conduct. It is a credit to our workforce services team to have developed and now launched the code so we can highlight how important migrant workers are to the meat industry.

“This code is a testament to our industry’s resolve to lead by example, maintain our social license and do what is right. We’re not just committed to excellence in providing world-leading red meat products but also in how we support and value our workforce. The Code of Conduct is a clear reflection of this ethos.

“Certification under the code not only assures regulatory bodies and customers of a business’s commitment to best practices but also enhances their company’s reputation by demonstrating leadership in social responsibility.” Mr Hutchinson said.

Australian Meat Industry Council chairman Tom Maguire said adopting the Code of Conduct elevated not just the operational standards of individual businesses, but also the global reputation of our entire industry.

“It’s about doing right by our people and setting a benchmark for others to follow.”

Source: AMIC