Horticulture industry demands award negotiation
June 09, 2009
The Federal Government will review proposed award modernisation changes in the horticulture industry, after making concessions for the restaurant and pharmacy sectors.
Peak industry body Ausveg has welcomed news that Federal Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard will reassess the impacts on vegetable and potato growers.
Chief Executive Richard Mulcahy says the proposed award changes would have significant bearing on the vegetable industry, such as increased costs and rise in unemployment.
"The Horticulture Australia Council has estimated that wage costs will increase by as much as 30 percent under the new arrangements," he says.
"The industry is already under enormous pressure and this will only result in a loss of jobs."
Vegetable growers will be particularly impacted by the hours of work provisions, piece rates and casual loadings, according to Mulcahy.
"The Minister for Workplace Relations instructed the AIRC to set up a process that would neither benefit employers or employees. In order for this to happen in the horticulture sector, changes to the proposed award process will need to be considered," he says.
"Industry leaders hope to meet with the Workplace Relations Minister to discuss our concerns regarding the current proposal. The Minister’s office has been very open and willing to hear our concerns about the new award system."
Mulcahy argues there is a need to have an open discussion regarding amendments to the awards.
"Ausveg has been in regular contact with the Horticulture Australia Council, the National Farmers Federation and the Australian Industry Group regarding awards modernisation. These groups share many of our concerns," he says.
The award modernisation process is being undertaken by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
New awards are set to take effect from January 1, 2010.