6 May 2013
People with Disability Australia today calls on Myer to explain why they are refusing to engage with the Australian Human Rights Commission on employment of people with disability. There is evidence that people with disability are important customers and solid employees for business. We believe Myer should embrace Graeme Innes’s challenge to adopt a 10 per cent target for employees with disability. This is a modest target which is less than the general population of disability in the community (around 1 in 5).
Other high value retailers like Marks & Spencer have had no problem in accepting employment challenges. Commissioner Innes is an esteemed Australian and has worked with around 500 organisations to improve their action planning and employment practices.
I understand Commissioner Innes has approached your office three times offering to engage with you and you haven’t picked up the phone. The apologies from Myers ring hollow when you refuse to back them up with real action.
I therefore call on Australians who care about disability and social justice to continue to make their views known on Myers social media, by boycotting Myers stores and by cutting up their store cards.
Craig Wallace
President
People with Disability Australia