"$30,000 repaid to migrant farm workers highlights need to end exploitation,"

The AWU has reclaimed $30,000 from two seasonal migrant workers in a large rural Victorian packhouse, reaffirming the union’s commitment to fighting exploitation in Australia’s horticulture industry.

Both workers were employed as cleaners and worked the afternoon shift each day, until midnight, for over two years, paid at Level 1 of the Horticulture Award — $21.38 per hour at the time. However, the employer failed to pay weekend and evening penalty rates, overtime, or shift allowances.

The AWU was first alerted to the wage theft by Nauru-born worker Agassi, who mentioned to his organiser during a crib-room visit that he was only paid a flat hourly rate. After reviewing his payslips and meeting with the employer, AWU Organiser Shenae was able to secure a full repayment to Agassi and his colleague – about $15,000 each.

Agassi was unaware of the extensive wage theft, as a recent migrant to Australia – something Shenae believes was intentional.

“Everyone knows the company is dodgy,” she explains. “and it’s really hard for PALM workers to understand their rights and entitlements and how the Horticulture Award works. Almost no other country in the Pacific has the same wage system with penalties and overtime.”...

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