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Woolworths workers will no longer be allowed to wear Indigenous or LGBTQI+ stickers on their badges, according to a leaked dress code memo that has sparked outrage from some workers.
The company memo, first reported by Seven News on Saturday, states that the dress changes came due to “a recently observed case of poor dress standards that may pose a potential food safety risk and/or injury in our stores.
“Following store visits and team feedback, we have reviewed and revised our dress standards guidelines to reflect our team’s guidance and expectations,” the Feb. 19 memo states.
While previous team members could wear stickers on their badges displaying the Indigenous Australian or LGBTQI+ flag, Woolworths now says: “Display your name badge above the handy green dots on your garments.” Keep your name tag clean and tidy. No stickers should be added to your badge.’
One worker said the license plate change went “too far.”
Woolworths workers will no longer be allowed to wear Indigenous or LGBTQI+ stickers on their badges, according to a leaked dress code memo that has sparked outrage from some workers (file image)
“On our badges we have stickers that we were encouraged to wear,” he told the publication.
‘The decals are the indigenous flag, the LGBT flag and the LGBT Ally flag decal.
“Now they want us to remove all the stickers from our badges.”
NCA NewsWire understands the changes are a “preferred dress code” and do not stipulate absolute rules.
It is understood that the purpose of the name badge is to display the name of the team member and that is why the company wants it to be kept clean and sticker-free.
Other changes to the dress code include guidelines on pants and polos.
The leaked Woolworths dress code memo. Photo: 7News
Team members should wear a black polo shirt, either a Woolworths polo shirt or their own, and avoid wearing brand logos.
“Black or dark-colored pants, skirts, and knee-length shorts are perfect,” the memo states.
‘Leave your torn pants, sports leggings or any pants with other visible brand logos at home.
Wear a green Woolworths jacket, vest or black jumper to stay warm.
“Hoodies and outerwear with other brands’ logos are not permitted.”
ASX-listed Woolworths is Australia’s largest food retailer with more than 190,000 team members across Australia and New Zealand.
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci to resign in September
The company has overcome a series of public relations challenges in 2024.
Some community members called for a boycott of the retailer earlier this year after it announced it would not sell Australia Day products for the January 26 public holiday.
An upcoming Senate inquiry will also test whether Woolworths has engaged in price-gouging practices and whether consumer sentiment about the legendary brand has plummeted as cost-of-living pressures hit checkouts.
CEO Brad Banducci announced his surprising retirement Wednesday morning after nearly nine years at the helm.
Amanda Bardwell, former director of WooliesX, will replace Banducci as CEO in September.