Last November, the AWU secured an historic industrial win for fruit pickers by successfully arguing the Horticulture Award should be altered to ensure every worker is entitled to take home the minimum casual rate of pay, currently $25.41.

Changes to the Horticulture Award will come into place on 28 April 2022.

Workers can still be paid a piece rate, which must allow for the average worker to earn the equivalent of at least 15 per cent above the casual rate.

A piece rate is when a worker is paid according to the amount of produce, they harvest, so the more fruit or vegetables harvested, the more a worker is paid.

Employers will also be required to record the hours worked by the piece worker and the rate applied to the hours worked.

If you have questions in relation to the above, or any other matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office on 1300 620 345.