MIRABELLA RENEWS PRESSURE TO SUPPORT LOCAL HORTICULTURE

20-August-2009

Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Member for Indi has renewed her calls for the Government to afford the horticulture industry the same concessions given to the hospitality industry after the Government’s changes to the award.

Under the Fair Work Bill, the Government has introduced strict rules to the horticulture award, including:

·         Overtime must be paid when an employee works for over 38 hours per week;

·         Penalty rates must be paid on weekends and public holidays

“I have been contacted by distressed local growers who fear for local jobs and businesses,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The changes have disastrous implications for local horticulturalists, many estimate their costs could increase by as much as $10,000 per hectare,” Mrs Mirabella said.

This is due primarily to the seasonal nature of the industry – a fact that the Government has not taken into account. Fruit is picked when it needs to be and is packed on weekends for wholesale markets and chain stores that open on Monday.

“The Government’s introduced limits on hours worked will seriously disadvantage seasonal workers as it makes it too expensive to employ them for more than 38 hours per week,” Mrs Mirabella said, “fruit picking is seasonal work, so workers earn as much as they can when they can.”

The Minister intervened by applying the concessions requested by restaurants, cafes and catering companies; “a Government admission,” Mrs Mirabella said, “That their ‘modern award’ will disadvantage both employers and employees in the hospitality sector.”

“Ms Gillard should listen to our growers and ensure new laws don’t destroy local jobs,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.