Call for inquiry into alleged mistreatment of rural workers

Many seasonal workers picking fruit are working for just three dollars an hour according to a new report, which looks into wage theft and the exploitation of agricultural workers in Australia.

Report calls for rural workers to get a fair deal Source: SBS

 

Unions say the report highlights many issues which demand wider investigation and that Australia's reputation could be tarnished if they are not addressed.

The exploitation of seasonal workers on the Mid-North coast of New South Wales is rife, according to new findings in what's been dubbed the 'Blue Harvest' report.

 

The rapid growth of Blueberry farms in the area saw many migrant workers and backpackers earning wages as low as $3 dollars an hour and many also enduring unsafe working environments.

 

The Australian Workers Union (AWU) believes the findings of the 'Blue Harvest' report warrants a Royal Commission.  

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