Australia’s fair work ombudsman plans to ramp up its focus on work conditions at apple and pear orchards across the country, according to a report from Australian Associated Press.
Seasonal workers at properties across Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales will be encouraged to respond to questions about their pay and employment conditions when fair work inspectors make unannounced visits to these states over the coming weeks.Growers and labour hire contractors will also be quizzed about their obligations under federal workplace laws.
“We can tell a lot about an employer’s level of compliance by talking to them and their workers, but we’ll look at time-and-wages records if we need to get a clearer picture,” Natalie James of the fair work ombudsman’s office told AAP.
Peak industry body Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) will assist with the probe. James said the orchard visits come after continued complaints from season workers about pay disputes on Australian orchards.
“Many fruit pickers are overseas workers who may be vulnerable if they’re not fully aware of their entitlements or reluctant to complain, so it’s important we are proactive about ensuring their rights are protected and that their employers are fully aware of the law,” James explained.
James said fair work inspectors were committed to returning to orchards during next year’s harvest, to ensure employers continued to meet work place standards.
“We’re seeking information about industry factors that influence compliance levels,” James said. “This knowledge will help us to better target our education and campaign activities, particularly in relation to the overseas workers employed in this sector.”
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