A Tasmanian council has evicted about 70 people who were living in "slum-like conditions" at a five-bedroom property.
The Retail Supply Chain Alliance, which includes the Australian Workers' Union, said the occupants were mostly from Tonga and were picking for national berry producer Costa.
In a statement, the company said it "utilises Pacific seasonal workers from Tonga through a third party supplier".
"Costa expects certified third party suppliers to comply with every specified requirement including accommodation standards," it said.
AWU national secretary Daniel Walton said there was a "systemic and endemic problem across our food supply chain".
"What kind of employer allows their workers to live in slum-like conditions?" Mr Walton said.
"These are people who were too afraid to speak up because they were scared of losing their jobs."
Costa said it had not been "aware of the allegations made by the AWU with respect to the living conditions", but was "currently working with the supplier to understand the facts and why they have been required to leave the property and ensure other suitable arrangements are being made".
Latrobe Council Mayor Peter Freshney confirmed occupants had been evicted from a Shearwater property, in the north of the state.
"The property in question has been used for visitor accommodation in conjunction with a Federal Government administered employment program," Cr Freshney said.
"The Latrobe Council yesterday issued an Emergency Order under section 245 of the Tasmanian Building Act 2016 following an extensive and ongoing investigation into a number of alleged safety and building code violations at a Shearwater property.
"The Emergency Order compelled the owner and occupants to immediately vacate the property as council acted to ensure the health and safety of those being accommodated at the property is not compromised in any way.
"Information from concerned residents and community members has been pivotal in triggering council's investigations and we are grateful for their genuine concern for the health and wellbeing of others living in and visiting our community."
Cr Freshney said the council regrets "any unintended angst our action has caused the seasonal workers".
Sandy Powell
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
