Friday, March 29, 2024

Shearers moot 25% pay rise

Neal Wallace
Shearers and woolhandlers look set to receive pay and entitlement increases of up to 25% this season as the industry tries to retain and recruit skilled labour.
Reading Time: < 1 minute

The recommendation from the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association is part of a three-year strategic plan focused on improving the association’s profile, lifting recruitment and retention rates, improving training opportunities and improving health and safety.

The industry has struggled to retain and recruit young people.

Association president Mark Barrowcliffe said the pay rise would also address the gap with Australia and help retain NZ wool harvesters.

There is anecdotal evidence half the Australia flock is shorn by New Zealanders.

“This decision provides workers the opportunity to see real career opportunities and create meaningful opportunities for themselves and their families. 

“They do not need to go to Australia now to achieve this,” Barrowcliffe said. 

Former association president Jamie McConachie said it is important all parties understand the changes and that they are needed for the future of the industry.

“We know there will be questions from farmers but without implementing these changes there is a real risk that in the near future we could not service farmers’ needs.” 

It is an opportunity to continue to improve the employment framework for the industry.

“We want to be acknowledged as an industry where fair employment conditions are the norm,” he said. 

Previously there were instances where entitlements had not always been fairly treated.

The association will consult interested parties and the recommendations will be set down for adoption on July 1.

Total
0
Shares
People are also reading