Hussey & Co farm workers strike: Workers walk-off could drive prices higher

As workers down tools at a major salad-growing operation, an industry leader warns it could drive the price of produce higher.

Workers from a major horticulture producer have downed tools today, amid allegations of breaches of the Fair Work Act.

The move could drive already expensive fresh produce prices higher for everyday Australians, one industry leader has warned.

From 6am this morning, 60 United Workers Union members at horticulture producer Hussey & Co, which supplies baby leaf salad greens to Coles, Aldi and for export, went on strike amid calls for an agreement delivering a wage increase in step with inflation, along with protection for labour-hire workers ensuring same pay and conditions as directly employed workers.

It comes as farm labour shortages are hitting primary producers across all commodities.

The UWU has also alleged bosses from Hussey & Co, based at Somerville in Victoria, have issued threats to workers attempting to take action.

UWU has filed an application in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for alleged breaches of the Fair Work Act.

Today’s action marks the first farm strike in decades, a UWU statement said.

UWU member and Hussey & Co employee Melissa, who wished to keep her surname anonymous, said workers were striking for a fair wage increase, job security and “respect for the hard work that we do every day”.

“We pack vegetables so that every Australian can have food on the table. Without us, there would be no food on the table,” she said.

“Most of us have worked here for more than three years, and yet the majority of us are still casual. We will continue to strike until the company meets our demands.”

Workers at Hussey & Co in Victoria went on strike today in the bid to secure better wages in keeping with the rate of inflation. Picture: Laura Ferguson

Along with calling for a wage increase, the union has alleged Hussey & Co used labour hire companies that paid workers through illegal cash-in-hand arrangements for as little as $12 an hour.

It was also alleged the company failed to pay casual workers nightshift loading during the pandemic.

UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy said striking workers were playing a role in keeping Australians “fed and nourished”, and deserved to be respected for their work.

“The least Hussey can do is back off from the threats and intimidation, make sure their workers are rewarded with a wage offer that is aligned with inflation and pay casuals above the bare minimum,” Mr Kennedy said.

In a statement, Hussey & Co acknowledged the negotiation process regarding the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with its workforce, and said the company’s offer included a pay rate increase of 6 per cent “which is above the increase to the award and minimum rates of pay at 5.75 per cent handed down by the Fair Work Commission this year”.

The pay rate rise was on top of a 5 per cent increase last year, according to the statement.

AusVeg chief executive Michael Coote said workers remained the horticulture industry’s No.1 asset “and we respect their right to advocate for their interests and wellbeing”.

“However, it is concerning when union activities interrupt fresh produce business operations,” Mr Coote said.

“These actions could jeopardise the food supply chain and lead to higher prices and reduced supply of fresh produce to Australian families.”