It’s reported that the Fair Work Australia Ombudsman will be visiting various Australian farms and vineyards in the Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Singleton areas to cast an eye over operations.
The Acting Ombudsman director Phil Marsh was quoted saying, “Fair work inspectors will be visiting across the Hunter during this year’s harvest to ensure employers are meeting their obligations under the Fair Work Act and the wine industry award,” he said.
“This is part of our national focus on the harvest trail across Australia where we know fruit and vegetable pickers often miss out on their minimum entitlements.”
That Fair Work Australia is tagertetting the Hunter Valley is not a problem with the region but more so the industry Mr Marsh went on to say. “We haven’t had a lot of complaints from the Hunter in the past but the industry in general and wider into the horticulture industry we have had a significant number of complaints from Harvest workers who have done Fruit Picking Work in the region” he said.
It’s great that FWA are taking time to look through these Vineyards and promote awareness for fair pay and record keeping in and industry they acknowledge is dominated by Backpackers and Working Holiday Makers who can so often be taken advantage off.
If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly while working lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Australia Ombudsman and learn your rights https://www.facebook.com/fairwork.gov.au/app_559702197412959
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