Abolish wages board, says UFU
13 September 2000
Abolish wages board, says UFU
By FWi staff
THE Ulster Farmers Union has called for the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board in Northern Ireland.
This call has come in response to the consultation issued by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) on the future of the board.
A wide range of general employment law now protects all workers, making the AWB redundant, claims the union.
Wilbert Mayne, chairman of the UFU legislation and commercial committee said the board was unnecessary burden on farmers.
Farmers already recognise the importance of offering attractive employment packages thereby retaining and attracting the workers with the skills and experience required for their business, he said.
The union expressed hopes that DARD would not be influenced in its decision on the matter by Scottish Rural Affairs Minister, Ross Finnies decision to retain the board there.
In England the future of the board has yet to be decided.