For the first time workers on Australian farms are now guaranteed a minimum rate of pay after changes to the Horticulture Award came into effect on 28 April, reports ABC News. Under the new changes to the Horticulture Award made by the Fair Work Commission, workers picking or packing produce by piece rate, that is, getting paid by how much they harvest, now have a guaranteed minimum rate of pay. It follows the ruling by the Fair Work Commission late last year, which many farm groups rallied against, saying it would disincentivise productive workers. Growers will have to ensure all harvest workers under the Horticulture Award are paid at least AUD 25.41 (USD 18.03) an hour, though they can earn more than that for increased productivity.

The case was brought to the Commission by the Australian Workers Union (AWU) after years of successive headlines about farm workers being severely underpaid.