AUSVEG wants the Federal Government to postpone the introduction of the Horticulture Industry Award until 1 July 2010, due to the significant impacts it will have on vegetable and potato growers.
AUSVEG represents the interests of 9000 vegetable and potato growers.
Chief executive Richard Mulcahy says the Australian Industrial Relations Commission made its decision to implement changes to the award on 23 December 2009 with a commencement date of 1 January 2010.
"This start date is completely ridiculous considering this is one of the busiest times for growers who have been hectic supplying fresh produce to Australians enjoying their Christmas break," Mr Mulcahy said.
"We’ve had no opportunity – and no support – to educate the industry on these changes.
"These are significant changes, which will have severe economic consequences for growers and their families."
Mr Mulcahy wants a postponement to a July 1 start to give industry the opportunity to review the changes and growers the chance to understand what the new award system will involve.
Ausveg says many of the AIRC findings remain "unsatisfactory" to the vegetable and potato industries, including the piecework loading provisions and the AIRC’s decision to leave the loading rate at 15 per cent, rather than adjust it down to 12.5pc.
Email a friend