Our Statement on Recent Online Commentary

We’re aware of recent social media posts regarding our Melbourne production team and the ongoing enterprise agreement bargaining process. We want to provide clear, factual information for our community.

 

Where things stand

  • We have been working through a formal enterprise agreement bargaining process for over 12 months.
  • As part of that process, our Melbourne production team took one day of protected industrial action in mid-October.
  • That action has concluded.
  • Production, roasting, fulfilment and café operations are running as normal, and we have maintained full supply throughout.
  • If the team were to take further protected industrial action, we are confident that our contingency plans will continue to ensure customers receive their orders without interruption.

There is no current industrial action underway, and there has been no interruption to orders, coffee quality or service.

 

How we support our team

We’re proud of the pay, conditions and support we provide to all Padre people, including:

 

Pay & Conditions

  • Full-time production roles are paid above the relevant award, at market-aligned rates.
  • Casual roles receive annual July increases in line with award requirements.
  • During this bargaining period, we have provided two wage increases to full-time production team members.
  • Since July 2022, production roles with at least 12 months’ service have seen an average salary increase of ~19%.

 

Leave, Flexibility & Wellbeing

  • Additional paid leave benefits such as birthday leave, Be Kind to Yourself day, volunteer leave, company paid parental leave and government paid parental leave top-ups.
  • Flexible work options where roles allow (e.g., part-time arrangements, job share, four-day week requests).
  • Access to confidential mental health support via our Employee Assistance Program.
  • Ongoing training, development pathways and skills support.

 

Inclusive Policies

  • New Gender Affirmation (right to unpaid leave) and Cultural Leave (right to unpaid leave) policies are being introduced across the entire business, not only for those who would be covered by a future agreement.

 

Why this balance matters

As a specialty coffee business, we’re navigating significant increases in green coffee prices, utilities, freight and wages. Our responsibility is to balance being a fair, supportive employer with the long-term sustainability needed to:

  • protect jobs,
  • maintain the highest standards of coffee quality, and
  • keep coffee accessible and fairly priced for our community.

A final note

We respect the bargaining process and the right to protected industrial action. We are committed to working through this constructively, respectfully and with care for everyone involved.

If you have questions, we’re always happy to talk directly. You can reach us at hello@padrecoffee.com.au.

 

Warm regards,

Jacqui Hawkins
CEO, Padre Coffee