Grocery shopping might become even more expensive following further pay changes on farms across the country that will potentially flow down to consumers. Under the new Horticulture Award, which came into effect on April 28, farmworkers who were paid 'per piece' will now have a minimum wage. Workers will now earn at least $25.41 an hour.
Chief executive of Fruit Growers Tasmania, Peter Cornish acknowledged a minimum pay guarantee was needed, but said it was "likely" to increase supermarket produce prices. "Whether that transfers into [sale] prices or not is another matter, but there will be a pressure on that for sure," he stated. "If they have to top up people that are below the minimum, that means higher costs and it may well transfer into higher fruit prices as well."
It's unknown how the change will affect supermarkets, with Woolworths and Aldi stating they will try to keep a balance between affordable prices for customers and suppliers.
Source: au.news.yahoo.com
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