Think outside the box when it comes to sourcing workers

Industry and State and Federal Governments continue to work to ensure the availability of labour for the apple and pear industry through the peak demand period ahead. 

This week APAL spoke to labour service providers to see what insights and advice they could provide.   

Madec 

Madec operates nationwide and is contracted to run the national Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS). 

As well as utilising the Harvest Trail website, the not-for profit recommends considering some options that aren’t usually considered come harvest.  

“Most growers now recognise that a seasonal worker shortfall this spring and summer is inevitable,” a Madec spokesperson said today.  

“Farm businesses will not be able to do the same as they have always done and will need to be proactive.  This year is different to any experienced in our lifetime.” 

So, what steps can growers take? 

Madec’s six points for growers wanting to attract labour in 2020–21:  

1. Make sure vacancies are listed on the Harvest Trail website.  The Harvest Trail is the Government program funded for this purpose, so all listings contribute to the Government’s understanding of labour needs as well as attracting the attention of people looking for work.   
2. Get in early.  Don’t wait until a couple of weeks before harvest before seeking a workforce, even for growers able to do so in the past.  This year is different – very different!   
3. Growers need to make sure they are a desirable employer.  They will be competing for staff against other growers and other industries, so they need to give workers a reason to come to them and not somebody else.   
4. Consider the unthinkable – offer above-award wages, higher piece rates, or bonuses.  Even if the grower considers that option financially unviable – they need to do the maths.  Which will cost more, paying extra for labour or losing the crop because it remains unpicked?   
5. Minimise barriers such as access to budget accommodation and transport.  Even cheap caravans on the farm at low rent will entice workers.  Organising rides in and out of town can increase the potential labour pool significantly to attract those without their own transport. 
6. Tap into the Australian workforce even if previous experiences have not been encouraging.  There are newly unemployed Aussies now out there with a good work history that might just take up the offer.   

The Harvest Trail is the Government funded initiative set up to assist farms to coordinate seasonal workers and workers to find jobs. It can be accessed via the website at www.harvesttrail.gov.au or by calling the Contact Centre on 1800 062 332 Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. 

Connect Group  

Director and General Manager Kevin Khiev says it’s about working together, growers, Government and industry bodies, in order get the most out of the situation from a seasonal worker perspective.  

Connect provide seasonal labour under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP), and more permanent team members under the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), which they’ve been doing since the SWP’s formation in 2009.  

“It’s a matter of the different members coming together and working it out to find a solution,” he says.  

“For instance, we’re dealing with the 162 workers for the mango harvest in the Northern Territory.  

“I know that up there the Northern Territory farmers were very strong in pushing for this, and they were able to work around things to make this happen. There are costs involved with transport and quarantine and other things, but they were very strong in making it happen.  

“Obviously it’s a state by state case but I would recommend growers be working together as much as they can to see what they can do, see who can come to the party to provide what. 

“We have no issue getting workers in from those countries on a nine-month visa, and moving them around for the different harvests. “ 

Rural Enterprises Australia 

Rural Enterprises Australia is based in Perth and specialises in rural recruitment – finding and filling farming jobs in Australia including seasonally for harvest.  

They echo Madec in recommending advertising on the Harvest Trail Jobs Board, and also reminded growers of the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for all workers.  

Studium  

Also from Western Australia, Studium is a privately–owned Australia platform designed to connect candidates and jobseekers with employers across Australia.  

CEO Stuart Scott has implored the agricultural industry to consider different options, like Australia’s younger generation.  

“The best available domestic source of labour is students and young people.,” he said. 

“It’s getting growers to think outside the square, because this isn’t going to be sorted out this year. They’ll have to go old school and pick up the phone a bit more.  

“The way it’s communicated is important. If someone in Perth sees one job available down in Manjimup, they’re probably not going to chase it up as it’s only one job. If they see there’s 300 available, they’ll go for it because they think there’s a pretty good chance they’ll get a look in.  

Putting in support around the job is also important, Stuart said, in attracting domestic workers, something that is likely to be critical in both the west and other states next harvest.  

“Whether it’s shared accommodation, or a host family – if you can put in a support network around them, it’ll encourage them to come.  

“For tertiary students, the whole premise is getting work in their field of interest.  

“If there’s a traineeship or apprenticeship you can put them on, or an internship. How can you add that small incentive to the student to ensure they’ll be keen.”  

It’s got to come from students too, Stuart says.  

“’I chipped in to help Australia’– that’s a great selling point in future years,” he says.  

“That looks good on your resume as much as anything.” 

Further reading 

In a global pandemic with labour in short supply it is doubly important that workers  are kept safe, and treated and paid fairly. 

See APAL’s guide to looking after workers… 

Future Orchards spring orchard walks

This September the Future Orchards® Spring Walks will identify orchard management options to consider when preparing for possible labour constraints in the upcoming season.

Check out the dates and details