Shortage of seasonal workers threatens kiwifruit campaign

In New Zealand, the kiwifruit harvest has started but the sector is facing a labor shortage. The shortage is such that professionals consider this season to be "the toughest ever".

 

According to New Zealand media, the shortage of seasonal workers is far from over. While 24,000 people are needed to pick and pack the fruit, 6,500 people are still missing. This shortage threatens the campaign and New Zealand professionals believe that this season is "the toughest ever".

 

This shortage of seasonal workers results from the country's previous border closures which prevented the entry of foreign workers and then to the partial opening of the borders which then hindered normal entries. In addition, the current wave of the Omicron virus has led to a high level of work stoppages and quarantine measures.

 

To succeed in recruiting the necessary people, professionals in the sector are offering much higher wages this season: from 24 NZD (16.5 USD) per hour for packing station staff and up to 60 NZD ( 41.3 USD) per hour for a picker.

 

Sometimes with additional cash bonuses, travel reimbursement, free food and accommodation to attract experienced pickers. The physical difficulty of the work means that many people who are new to this activity give up this work after only a few days of picking.

 

 

source :  stuff.co.nz