Farm workers walk off job

EIGHT Fijian farm workers have walked off the job amid claims of underpayment and mistreatment.

A worker picks and packs crimson seedless table grapes in John Argiro's vineyard at Merbein, near Mildura.

EIGHT Fijian farm workers have walked off the job amid claims of underpayment and mistreatment.

They are part of the Federal Government’s seasonal worker scheme and employed on a farm near Euston, NSW.

Under the scheme, workers from Pacific Island countries receive a visa to work in agriculture and tourism in regions unable to attract local labour.

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The eight are employed by a Queensland labour hire firm PlantGrowPick.

The workers left the farm, near Mildura, this month claiming they were mistreated and are understood to be staying with Fijian community members in Robinvale.

Advocates for the workers, including Robinvale farmer Zaylan Caracatsanoudis, claim they were being underpaid.

Workers have told Mr Caracatsanoudis they were on the farm about six days a week, or 55-59 hours.

Pay slips show some workers were paid $454 and, after deductions such as $210 for food and accommodation, and tax, netted just $143 for a week’s work.

Mr Caracatsanoudis claims some workers had medical issues, but employer Melissa Penson, who is the sole owner of PlantGrowPick, had allegedly not allowed them to seek treatment.

“Some workers hadn’t received pay for a few weeks ago … and they are not receiving any water while they are on site.”

A Department of Employment spokeswoman said it was investigating the allegations and has referred the case to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

“The department is working closely with the employer to ensure remedies are put in place in the immediate short term,” the spokeswoman said.

The Weekly Times contacted the farm business, which confirmed the Fijian workers employed by PlantGrowPick had been on their property.

Ms Penson could not be contacted.