THE vegetable industry has called for changes to the horticulture award to be delayed for six months.
Peak body AUSVEG says the changes, which started at the start of the year, have major cost implications and growers need more time to absorb them.
In a letter to Federal Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard and Agriculture Minister Tony Burke, AUSVEG chief executive Richard Mulcahy said the January 1 start date was "completely ridiculous", with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission only handing down its final decision two days before Christmas.
"This is one of the busiest times for growers and we need more time to fully review the changes."
Mr Mulcahy said many aspects of the new award were of concern, most notably a piece-work loading of 15 per cent.
A spokeswoman for Ms Gillard said the new award would be phased in over five years and changes in pay rates wouldn't come into practical operation until July this year.
"This means employers have six months to become familiar with the new award before they're at risk of being non-compliant," she said.
