Farm workers deserve minimum wages like all workers. End piece rates!

Federal Government

Australia's horticulture industry is plagued by widespread exploitation and underpayment of workers. Some workers earn as little as $1.25/hr to pick the fruit we buy in our supermarkets.

Research of job ads by Unions NSW shows that 96% of rates, known as "piece rates" in the fruit and vegetable picking industry, are below the legal minimum wage in Australia.

Nadia, who is just one of many affected workers, said 70% of workers on her farm earned less than $10 an hour picking strawberries. And the report found in some cases the hourly rates earned by workers was as low as $1.25 (blueberries).

We must reform the industry to ensure no one is exploited or underpaid.
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Unions NSW

To: Federal Government
From: [Your Name]

Exploitation and wage theft is rife in the fruit and vegetable picking industry. A Unions NSW Report surveying 1000 workers and examining job adverts shows just how widespread wage theft is.

The Government must urgently:
- Ensure minimum wage by amending the piece rates system and introducing clear laws and punishments;
- Remove the regional work requirement for working holiday visa holders to reduce their exposure to exploitation; and
- Create a firewall between the FWO and DHA to allow vulnerable workers to report their exploitation without fear of losing their visa/deportation.