May 12, 2020
The union representing dairy process workers throughout Australia has welcomed the call for a supermarket levy on milk.
The United Workers Union says it supports the call for a levy to ensure farmers and workers are paid a living wage and to enable a sustainable industry.
“The dairy industry is in crisis,” a statement from the union said.
“In the recent fires, 15 million out of the 45 million acres of prime dairy farming land has been burnt out; 5200 head of cattle were lost in these fires and we are seeing long term multi-generation farmers leave the industry in droves.
“We need to act now to protect the dairy industry and ensure that we have secure jobs across the supply chain.”
Dairy farmers have pressed Coles, Woolworths and Aldi supermarkets to add up to a 40 cent per litre levy on milk while Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has urged supermarkets to voluntarily extend and review the current 10 cents temporary levy on fresh milk to other milk products.
“We have consistently called for a fair price on dairy,” United Workers Union food and beverage national director Susie Allison said.
“Asking supermarkets for voluntary levies is not enough; milk must be sold at a fair price at each point in the supply chain.
“Last year we made a submission to the Australian Dairy Plan including the recommendation for a federally controlled functioning price for milk, tied to a minimum consumer price.
“We have seen over the last few years that leaving the price for milk in the hands of the supermarkets and processors has led to an unstable and often unsustainable operating environment for dairy farmers.
“The Federal Government needs to establish an independent body with representatives from farmers, processors and workers to ensure a fair price for milk across the supply chain.”
Union delegate Shaun Davies said dairy process workers played an important role in regional communities.
“I support a levy on dairy. The industry has been through recent droughts, fires and now a pandemic, we need the government to step up and ensure this levy happens,” he said.
“The levy will ensure that farmers receive the full amount of the increase, which will offset years of rising production costs.
“Profitable farms are critical for the sustainability of our industry and our regional communities.
“Often dairy processing jobs will be the best jobs available in a region and many regional communities depend on these jobs. Let’s keep it that way.”
- Related article: MP Calls For Retail Dairy Levy
