A decision by supermarket giant Coles to gift its employees with a water bottle embossed with the company’s logo has been slammed as a “shameful slap in the face” and a “gimmick”.
An internal email sent by management at the Aussie grocery chain to staff earlier this week revealed they would each receive a Coles branded water bottle, alongside five ‘mythanks’ points as part of an in-house reward scheme.
The internal staff memo reads: “It’s been a huge year and we would like to thank you all for your hard work!”
“We have listened to your feedback and are excited to announce that this year’s team member Christmas gift is new, sustainable and personalised!”
“Our elves have been busy making Coles water bottles”.
But secretary of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU), Josh Cullinan, blasted the move, claiming staff at the supermarket chain didn’t need the item.
“They need an employer that treats them with dignity and respect.” Mr Cullinan said.
“An employer that understands the cost of living crisis means they cannot afford to feed their kids or pay their rent.
“This shameful slap in the face is the latest in a series of disrespectful and disingenuous displays by Coles head office.”
Mr Cullinan said Coles management had the opportunity to do “so much more” as his members faced continued cost pressures over the Christmas period.
“Christmas was an opportunity for Coles to reward their workers and end poverty wages,” Mr Cullinan said.
“Instead, we see this pathetic response, a second rate drink bottle. It’s worse than a gimmick. It shows just how little respect Coles has for its workers.”
As negotiations to secure a fresh pay deal at the company continue, the RAFFWU leader said his members were planning for a strike in the week before Christmas.
It follows a two-hour nationwide strike by Coles workers represented by RAFFWU last month in a bid to secure improved wages and conditions.
Key demands to Coles management include introducing a $29 base pay rate, new measures to protect staff from threats and abuse, changes to ensure increased job security for casual workers, minimum shift lengths and the abolition of junior and trainee pay rates.
The industrial action comes as RAFFWU members fight for a new enterprise agreement at the retail giant.
In January this year, Coles was brought to the bargaining table to reach a new pay agreement for its workers after legislation passed the parliament which unilaterally empowers workers to request updates of expired enterprise agreements.
It has been more than three years since Coles’ last pay deal for its 100,000 store workers lapsed.
Coles largest competitor Woolworths is currently negotiating a new pay deal with RAFFWU’s main rival, the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association.
In a statement, Coles said its workers would receive a host of benefits over the Christmas period.
“Each year, to show our appreciation to our 120,000 team members, we offer increased team member discounts in store and online during December and January,” a Coles spokesperson said.
“We also offer our team increased discounts on exclusive liquor brands and increased Flybuys points as we head into the holiday season. Each of our stores also have a Christmas gathering, which includes a shared meal to celebrate as a team.”
Coles said it was negotiating in “good faith” in the current round of enterprise agreement talks.
“Coles provides above-award conditions under our current enterprise agreement and passed on the Fair Work Commission’s 5.75% annual wage increase to our supermarket team members in July 2023,” a Coles spokesperson said.
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