Unite's reaction to the abolition of Agricultural Wages Board
22 July 2010
Unite's national officer for rural, agricultural & allied
workers, Ian Waddell, said: "Today's announcement spells disaster
for farming in England and Wales.
"For almost a century successive governments of every political
persuasion have recognised the need for the Agricultural Wages
Board to regulate pay, terms and conditions in the farming
industry. The Con-Dem decision to abolish it is reckless,
short-sighted and ideologically driven.
"Farming is already suffering from an inability to attract and
retain skilled workers. Bad employers will now undercut the good
and drive a race to the bottom on pay which will exacerbate the
skills shortage and threaten the viability of agriculture in
England and Wales."
Unite called for consultation before any decision was taken over
abolition, but none took place. Unite wrote to the minister of
state for agriculture, Jim Paice, two weeks ago, asking for a
meeting to explain the problems abolition would cause. The letter
was ignored.
Mr Waddell continued: "Mr Paice says that the National Farmers
Union will publish advice each year to its members to increase pay
and this will suffice to protect workers. Our members will see that
as a cruel joke, rooted in a view of agricultural workers as
forelock tugging serfs going on bended knee to the master.
"We will vigorously campaign against abolition of the
Agricultural Wages Board to protect our hard-working, highly
skilled members and the future of farming in England and
Wales."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
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