Farmers to Worsen Effects of Drought

Date: 20 October 2003

The Australian Workers' Union today announced that it would oppose an application lodged by the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) which would restrict national wage increases to shearers and other pastoral workers.

The NFF has lodged an application to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to insert a new clause into the Pastoral Industry Award which would have the effect of allowing farmers and landowners to not flow through the National Safety Net Adjustment which applies to all working Australians.

The NFF is arguing that drought affected farmers should not have to pay the increase as it would have an adverse effect on their business.

AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten said that whilst the union is mindful of the plight of farmers in some parts of the country the reality is that rural workers have been the first victims of the drought and the union is sceptical that an extra $8.96 per 100 sheep increase would dramatically affect the cash flow of most farms.

"Shearers were the first victims of this drought. These itinerant workers who hold a proud place in the history of this nation have been hit hard over the last few years and we fear that if the NFF are successful in their application there will be a mass exodus from the industry." Mr. Shorten said.

"Many shearers are now travelling vast distances to earn enough money to keep afloat, these workers don't earn large amounts of money and their workloads vary dramatically from month to month."

"The Federal Government instituted Exceptional Circumstances payments to help farmers meet their financial commitments and if the NFF is claiming that farmers can't pay the extra $8.96 then they should lobby the National Party for an increase in the payments."

The case is due to be heard by the Commission on 7 November 2003.

For further information

Contact:	Paul Howes
Union:	The Australian Workers' Union
Phone:	03 8327 0888
Contact Mobile:	0407 041 933
Fax:	03 8327 0899
Email:	media@awu.net.au
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au

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