In 2023 migrant farm workers who were members of our union broke decades of exploitation at Hussey Farms, using strike action to win significant wage increases and protections that light the way for others.
Breaking decades of silence and submission, migrant farm workers who were members of our union at Hussey Farms in Victoria downed tools and launched an indefinite strike that transformed their industry. Workers from Malaysian, Indonesian, Rohingyan, Cambodian, and Hazara communities stood together on the picket line, shattering the assumption that farm workers would accept whatever conditions bosses imposed.
Their staunch solidarity forced through major wins: a 6.5% immediate wage rise, “same job, same pay” protections for labour hire workers, consultation rights on new labour hire arrangements, 200% Sunday rates, and weekly overtime pay for casuals. This bold action by some of Australia’s most exploited workers proved that even in agriculture, collective action gets results. Their victory has inspired farm workers across the country to organise and fight back against low pay and poor conditions.
“Mogok (strike) till we win!” – Hussey Farm Workers