The Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) has confirmed that from 1 October 2005 a new grading and pay scale for agricultural workers will begin that allows a stable and progressive career path in the agriculture industry.
NFU employment issue spokesman, Bob Fiddaman, says, “This confirmation is wonderful news for those opting for a career in agriculture. For the first time there is a dedicated career structure open to those that want it.
“Furthermore, the grades and pay-scale agreed upon offer strong career incentives for workers with both vocational or academic qualifications.”
The AWB decision has also been applauded by the Transport and General Workers Union.
T&G chief negotiator, Chris Kaufman, said, “We argued in the AWB that farm workers’ pay needs to rise to keep people in the industry and that there must be a properly funded training and career structure. There are now real incentives to enter and stay in the industry and to reward skills. Truly we are at the dawn of a new era.”