Outrage as Woolworths workers are no longer allowed to wear Indigenous or LGBTQI+ stickers on their name badges
Employees at Woolworths 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 among some employees.
The company memo, first reported by Seven News on Saturday, said the clothing changes came about as a result of “recently observed examples of poor dress standards that pose a potential risk to food safety and/or injury in our shops can deliver.’
“Following store visits and team feedback, we have reviewed and revised our dress standards guidelines to reflect the guidelines and expectations for our team,” the Feb. 19 memo said.
While previous team members could wear stickers on their badges featuring the flag of Indigenous or LGBTQI+ Australians, Woolworths now says: ‘Place your name badge on top of the handy green dots on your clothing. Keep your name badge clean and tidy. No stickers may be added to your badge.’
One employee said the badge change went “too far.”
Employees at Woolworths 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 among some employees (stock image)
“On our badges we have stickers that they encouraged us to wear,” he told the publication.
“The stickers are the Indigenous flag, the LGBT flag and the LGBT Ally flag sticker.
“Now they want us to remove all the stickers on our badges.”
NCA NewsWire understands that the changes are a ‘preferred dress code’ and do not impose absolute rules.
It is clear that the purpose of the name badge is to display the team member’s name and therefore the company wants it to be kept clean and free of stickers.
Other changes to the dress code include guidelines for pants and polo shirts.
The leaked Woolworths dress code memo. Image: 7News
Team members must wear a black polo, a Woolworths polo or their own polo, and may not wear any brand logos.
“Black or dark-colored pants, skirts and knee-length shorts are perfect,” the memo said.
‘Leave your ripped pants, gym leggings or pants with other visible brand logos at home.
‘Go for layers with a green Woolworths jacket, cardigan or black jumper to keep you warm.
‘Hoodies and outerwear with logos from other brands are not permitted.’
ASX-listed Woolworths is Australia’s largest food retailer and has more than 190,000 team members across Australia and New Zealand.
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci will step down in September
The company has weathered a series of PR 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 merchandise for the January 26 public holiday.
An upcoming Senate inquiry will also test whether Woolworths has engaged in price gouging and consumer confidence in the legendary brand has plummeted as cost-of-living pressures mount at the checkout.
CEO Brad Banducci announced his shocking retirement Wednesday morning after nearly nine years at the helm.
Amanda Bardwell, the former head of WooliesX, will replace Mr Banducci as CEO in September.