New minimum rates kick-in

The award changes must be followed for all full pay periods starting on or after April 28.

The Australian Workers’ Union celebrated April 28 as a great day for fruit pickers.

“Now, at the end of each day, every (casual) picker should be assured that their work netted at least $25.41 an hour. If not, their employer is stealing from them and breaking the law,” AWU national secretary Daniel Walton said.

“This ruling is a huge advance for this industry and for all the farmers who are already doing the right thing.”

The changes were brought about by a Fair Work Commission decision in February, after the AWU argued the Horticulture Award should be altered to ensure every worker is entitled to a minimum casual rate of pay, currently $25.41.

Full details of the changes can be accessed on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s horticulture showcase: https://horticulture.fairwork.gov.au/