RWM Supports Leading Poultry Producer in Ruling the Roost

PALM worker Pattson standing with a woman in front of a newly built green house, representing his achievements through the program.

Workforce efficiency is vital to success in the poultry processing industry and, for our industry leading client, partnering with RWM to introduce workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme has been a game changer.

Operational solutions

Our client's Chief Human Resources Manager, Cecil, says to enlist RWM’s assistance was spurred by operational challenges within their local workforce. “With daily production requiring about 500 people, our main challenge was labour shortage with absenteeism and turnover high in this type of work, and we knew we needed to bridge the labour gap,” said Cecil.

Cecil further elaborated, “It’s a large gap to fill in terms of labour shortage. It’s challenging to get people to understand and enjoy the work initially because it’s quite repetitive. It also involves shift work, which isn’t always attractive initially.”

Recruitment and integration

Since working with RWM, our client has welcomed 53 PALM workers from Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, with plans to expand this number.“ I was directly involved in the recruitment of these workers. I travelled to Fiji with RWM to support recruitment operations for the first 53 PALM workers myself. We followed a similar process to any recruitment here locally, where I had a conversation with each potential worker. We discussed their lifestyle, goals for working in Australia and skills and experience,” said Cecil.

On site support and relationship building

At the heart of this collaboration lies the dedicated on-site support from RWM which is instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of PALM workers into the workplace with a positive and supportive environment.

"RWM’s Site Manager Cherie does a really great job looking after the PALM workers, keeping them on track, and helping them with things that they're really not used to here, that wouldn't happen back home,” said Danielle Watson, Safety Manager.

“The relationship between PALM workers and Site Managers works really well. It's great to see that the PALM workers are getting this experience, they’re happy and they love coming to work. It’s also reassuring to know that Cherie is providing the additional pastoral support for the workers as well,” said Danielle.

Facilitating communication and trust

The role of the Site Manager enables meaningful interactions with the PALM workers, serving as a trusted intermediary between the workers and our clients. “Cherie being on site gives the ability to have more face time with the PALM workers and be the liaison person, filtering out anything they're not quite sure about or that they may not feel comfortable going to a supervisor or coming to HR about,” said Danielle.

“The workers know they can approach her and that she’ll point them in the right direction. They've built that relationship where they really trust her,” she said.

“It also makes it easy for us to communicate with the workers. Communication in a large business can be hard, however, when you have one person looking after a large group of people it’s extremely helpful from a business perspective.”

A focus on safety

Safety is a top priority for our client, with stringent induction and training protocols in place to ensure the well-being of all employees. "Our supervisors are really passionate about ensuring that their teams run smoothly and safely. They have constant conversations with everyone, including PALM workers, to ensure that any hazards are promptly reported,” said Danielle.

Cherie is involved in the Safety Committee and provides insights and acts as a liaison between the business and PALM workers. Looking ahead, there are plans to further empower PALM workers in safety matters.

Navigating cultural differences

In addition to addressing immediate workplace concerns, RWM’s site managers assist PALM workers in navigating cultural differences in Australia, ensuring they successfully adapt to their new environment. “One example that springs to mind is the difference in road rules here in Australia. Ensuring PALM workers understand the rules and are comfortable driving here in Australia is a prime example of the support provided outside of the workplace,” said Danielle.

Looking ahead, our client is excited about the addition of initiatives to celebrate and promote cultural diversity within the workplace.

This collaboration demonstrates a commitment to workplace integration and safety. By prioritising on site support, effective communication and cultural awareness, both entities create a thriving workplace for all employees.

Pattson Tutu worked for RWM within the meat processing industry in Victoria part of the PALM Scheme for three years before returning home to the Solomon Islands in 2023. During this time Pattson worked on the production line as a labourer and was actively engaged with the community. His Site Manager said “Pattson was a dedicated and focused worker in the meat processing industry, he was also involved with the local community and attended church weekly,”

It's moments like meeting Pattson in his home country and seeing the impact of his achievements that makes us site managers want to work and do more and more.

Reconnecting in their home country

One year later, his Site Manager, travelled to Savo Island, a small village in the Solomon Islands to meet Pattson, which was a heartwarming and eye-opening trip. "It was really emotional being able to see Pattson again. I spent a lot of time with him and other Solomon Island workers during their time here in Australia, celebrating the good and bad. They've become like family to me," said his Site Manager.

Witnessing Pattson's journey from arriving to Australia in 2019, to achieving many milestones and goals moved his site manager. "His goals were to support his family financially and improve their standard of living while he worked in Australia. He's so humble about what he has achieved," they added, highlighting Pattson's admirable humility amongst his grand achievements.

Impact and success beyond borders

During their trip, his site manager witnessed the impact of Pattson's accomplishments for his family and wider community. “With money saved working in Australia, he's built three houses, for himself and his siblings, one of which they call the 'canteen' which sells groceries and essentials to village locals," they shared. “Now that Pattson and his wife are expecting their first child, the properties he has built has taken away a lot of stress for this family and has laid solid financial foundations," said his site manager.

Since returning to his village, Pattson was appointed as a youth coordinator at his church and has also invested in boats for transportation, enhancing accessibility between islands and contributing to the economic growth of his community. "His whole island has benefited with better access to groceries and transport, while he is inspiring and educating the next generation in his village," his site manager said said, highlighting the broader impact of opportunities through the PALM Scheme.

Creating a lasting impact

Drawing from Pattson's achievements, his site manager shared valuable insight for those looking at joining the PALM Scheme, “Take as many opportunities as you can within your workplace and develop those skills to take home with you... whether it's skills to help run a business or other skills to support yourself once you return home,” said his site manager.

"Pattson set a great example of what a PALM worker can achieve. Not only was he a dedicated worker, but he also represented his country to create opportunities for other Solomon Islanders,” said his site manager

Looking for your pathway to employment in Australia with FIP Group through the PALM Scheme?

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