Unite welcomes pay increase for Scottish
agricultural workers
10th June 2009
Unite has welcomed the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board's
(SAWB) decision to increase the rate of pay for agricultural
workers in Scotland by 12p per hour to £6.32.
Agricultural workers employed for over 26 weeks in Scotland will
receive a higher increase than the increase applied to the national
minimum wage.
Scott Foley, Unite regional industrial organiser, said: “The
SAWB recognises that these workers are the backbone of Scotland's
agricultural industry. We welcome the board's decision which
contrasts sharply with some other employers who are trying to
undermine the pay of low paid workers.
“We welcome the continuation of the SAWB. The board provides
crucial protection for agricultural workers. Removing the SAWB
would be akin to signing a mandate allowing employers to return to
the days when agricultural workers were tied to their master’s
land."
ENDS
More information contact Mark Di-Toro on 07918 640 579
Notes:
Following the annual wage negotiation meeting held with industry
representatives, the SAWB proposes that the minimum hourly rates
payable from 1st October should be:
- £5.80 per hour (an increase of 7p per hour) for those in the
first 26 weeks of employment
- £6.32 for those employed for more that 26 weeks by the same
employer. Workers with appropriate qualifications should also be
paid an additional £0.96 per hour.
- Those working with dogs should be provided with an allowance of
£4.80 per week for each dog up to a maximum of four.
- The SAWB also agreed to introduce an apprenticeship rate of pay
into the wages order.
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