URGENT – PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE MODERN HORTICULTURAL AWARD THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS.
SURVEY TO BE COMPLETED BY 31ST JANUARY 2016.
Dear Members,
Most of you will be aware of the “Modern Horticultural Award” and how it relates to the olive industry.
What you might not know is that Unions have submitted various claims to the Fair Trade Commission that have the potential to impact on how you do business. These claims and possible amendments to the Modern Horticultural Award are scheduled to be heard at the Fair Trade Commission between 14th – 24th March 2016.
Their claims are comprehensive and deliver worker evidence that support their claims. In summary, the Unions will be pushing for the following:
· 4 hour minimum engagement of casuals (at present there is no minimum period for engagement of casuals);
· Conversion of casual employees to full time or part time after 6 or 12 months employment;
· 4 hour minimum engagement of part time employees (at present there is no minimum engagement for part time employees);
· Overtime rates and penalties for casual employees on the same terms as full time employees;
· A requirement that when employing casuals they are to be advised of a number of matters including likely hours; and
· Require additional hours to be granted to existing casuals and part time employees before employing more casual and part time employees.
In a price-taking environment the potential impacts on farm profitability and even viability are very real. Prior to the hearing the Voice of Horticulture (VOH), of which the AOA is a member and I am a Director, is seeking to:
· capture evidence from growers as to the potential impact of proposed changes;
· have these results analysed;
· get a report on findings from a leading academic; and
· brief legal counsel.
The VOH needs a significant number of responses (2,000+) from horticultural businesses that are likely to be impacted by potential changes suggested by Unions.
The VOH have developed an “information gathering” exercise on Survey Monkey which will collate crucial information.
IF YOU FEEL THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE HORTICULTURAL AWARD WILL IMPACT ON YOUR BUSINESS, THEN PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY 31 JANUARY 2016.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2MJP7G2
Feel free to share this information with others that might be affected. The VOH is also seeking three witnesses from the Olive Industry that would be prepared to appear before the Fair Trade Commission. If you would be happy to do this, please let me know via email.
Thank you for your co-operation on this important and time critical issue.
Kind regards!
Lisa
Lisa Rowntree GAICD | Chief Executive Officer
Australian Olive Association Ltd | ABN 57 072 977 489
C/- Post Office, Coomandook S.A. 5261
T: +61. 8. 8573.6545 | M: 0407.736.070 | F: + 61. 8. 8573.6595
E: ceo@australianolives.com.au
W: http://www.australianolives.com.au
