Major supermarkets probe claims of ‘slave’ conditions

Melbourne: The country’s three biggest supermarket chains have said they will investigate claims made by workers of exploitation and bullying at a major national flower supplier.

Lynch Group is the largest flower wholesaler in the southern hemisphere and supplies flowers to Coles, Woolworths and Aldi stores around Australia

The ABC first revealed claims of “sweatshop” working conditions at the Australian warehouses of Lynch Group in March.

But several current workers at the Melbourne warehouse claim that conditions have worsened in the lead-up to Mother’s Day, one of the busiest times of year.

“It just reminds me way back in the days of a certain brand of runner that was being made by children and they were selling them around the world for $300 a pair,” said one worker, John.

Workers say the pressure is so great that they are forced to breach health and safety standards just to meet demand.