UUP calls for Agricultural Wages Board Abolishment
Ulster Unionist Agriculture spokesman and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott today called for the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) to be abolished. Mr Elliott says that with a minimum wage already in place, there is no need for such a discriminatory scheme. In a statement Mr Elliott said,
“All parties agreed to the UFU 5 point plan prior to this year’s assembly elections. This included contributions in the Assembly chamber at a debate on 8th Jan 2007 when both Michelle Goldernew and Catriona Ruane said they wanted the AWB abolished.
In answer to my question last week, Minister Gildrnew said she would not abolish the AWG. Agricultural workers, like all workers, are already protected by the national minimum wage.
Why should agricultural employers be discriminated against? No other industry has such a wages scheme, all others use the national minimum wage.
Sinn Fein says they are trying to protect minority groups by retaining the AWB. What is the difference in agricultural employees and minority groups who work in other industries, like restaurants, supermarkets, the health service, childcare etc?”