The Australian Fresh Production Alliance (AFPA) supports the implementation of fair wage rates to ensure a fair and effective safety net for workers engaged in horticulture.
The Justice Commission is currently considering an application by the Australian Union of Trade Unions (AWU) to change piece arrangements under the Horticultural Award. Evidence of the industry
It effectively outlines the role it plays in supporting the seasonal, volatile and time-consuming nature of fruit and vegetable crops.
“Proper use of cut rates encourages workers to select and install time-consuming fruits and vegetables, which in turn allows farmers to sell that high-quality product to retailers.
Consumers as soon as possible, ”said FAP CEO Michael Rogers.
Structural changes in manpower
Covide 19 has accelerated long-term structural changes in the horticulture sector and has focused more on returnees and productive manpower. The sharp decline in the number of returnees has increased dependence on Australian workers and visa holders from Pacific countries.
The ongoing development of the current agricultural worker visa will continue to reduce dependence on backward commodities and support the ongoing structural changes in the composition of the labor force. “Over the past 18 months, due to international borders, there has been an increase in the number of returnees and confidence in the return of Australians and Pacific workers. This will focus on the 10-year development of Pacific programs, and the government will continue to implement the current agricultural worker visa.
AFPA’s position on the variance offered by the auction should be in terms of employment terms and conditions that reflect the interests of an industry, not election evidence presented by other parties.
They do not represent the entire gardener. Broadly speaking, union representatives repeatedly stated during the cross-examination that they did not use evidence to comply with supervisors and law enforcement reports for investigation and further action.
Australia’s horticultural industry is estimated at $ 15 billion and provides fresh fruits and vegetables to all Australians and around the world. Any change affecting the sector should not be easily absorbed and
It should not be based on evidence that has not been applied to their independent verification and action or to the supervisors concerned by the unions.
“Piece rates are a fundamental part of providing a fair and effective safety net for workers in the horticulture sector, and farmers must implement pruning rates in a balanced and reasonable manner. If the Justice Commission considers that the rates of fraction rates should be different, the AFAP has outlined a clear and consistent implementation and changes to support the use of fraction rates, ”Mr. Rogers said.
For more information –
Australian Fresh Production Alliance
PO Box 636, Collins Street West, Victoria 8007
info@freshproduce.org.au
www.freshproduce.org.au