Fair go blitz for farm workers

Date: 24 January 2005

The Australian Workers' Union is stepping up its campaign to stamp out exploitation of fruit and vegetable pickers working on farms in northern Victoria.

A team of AWU organisers is visiting farms in the Mildura and Shepparton areas over the next two weeks to check on safety, wages, accommodation and other conditions.

The union blitz follows revelations last month that the Sunraysia Mallee Economic Development Board is planning to import 10,000 Chinese temporary workers to the area.

AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten said that ending the exploitation of fruit and vegetable workers is essential to easing seasonal labour shortages and providing decent job opportunities for Australian workers.

"Significant changes in the horticultural industry over recent years have placed increasing pressure on growers and farm workers. Fair pay rates, safe work practices and decent conditions must be enforced to build a strong future for the Australian industry," Mr Shorten said.

"We have received reports of appalling treatment of some workers including pay rates equivalent to less than $4 an hour, unsafe equipment, lack of fresh water and toilet facilities, and sub-standard accommodation."

The AWU is warning farm workers to check their rights before signing non-union contracts or Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) being offered by growers instead of the federal Horticultural Industry Award conditions that came into effect across Victorian farms on January 1 this year as part the new "common rule" system.

The AWU last month called on the Federal Government to stop the plan to import 10,000 temporary Chinese "guest workers" over the next eight years because of concerns about further exploitation and erosion of Australian wages and conditions. The AWU has offered to negotiate with growers' associations about the seasonal labour supply and other problems in the industry.

Farm workers can contact the AWU for free advice on their rights at work by calling the toll free AWU Pickers Hotline during business hours on 1300 362 298 or e-mailing the AWU Pickers' On-line Service at any time on: fruitpicker@awu.net.au

For further information

Contact:	Jeremy Vermeesch
Union:	The Australian Workers' Union
Phone:	03 83270888
Contact Mobile:	0431942977
Fax:	03 83270899
Email:	jeremy.vermeesch@awu.net.au
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au

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