n By Alan Jones
“It still exists in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and we have made it clear to the government that having national pay bargaining in England is our number one priority.
“We can only hope there is a change of heart, but it is extremely disappointing that the government has decided not to move forward, especially as it would hugely benefit the farming industry.”
Steve, who chairs Unite’s food, drink and agriculture subsector, is adamant that the union will keep campaigning for the reinstatement of the wages board.
“It’s a key element of our continuing support for the Labour Party,” he added.
His strong views are shared by Ivan Monckton, a rural worker in mid Wales, who served on the AWB until it was abolished.
He admits the setup was not perfect, especially as supposedly independent members of the board usually sided with the employers.
“But it was a structure that allowed us some control over pay, terms and conditions, housing, allowances etc, giving us a degree of influence,” he told Landworker.
Steve said that as well as ending negotiations on pay and conditions for farmworkers across England, the abolition also removed the security of so-called ‘tied cottage’ accommodation for some.
“We lost so many things when the board was abolished and it has definitely had an impact on recruitment. Very few people want a career in agriculture now, so the industry has an ageing workforce.
“There is no incentive for young people to get a job in farming any more, and the loss of the wages board is a big factor.
“People are paid the minimum wage, with basic conditions, without the protections they had before.”
Steve is clear that Labour should have reinstated a form of national pay bargaining in English agriculture after winning the election.
“When the Conservatives abolished the wages board we mounted the biggest campaign I can remember within the union to have the decision reversed.
“We put up an enormous fight, thousands of letters of protest were sent to the government, we held meetings in Parliament – but it was all to no avail.”
Ivan is clear that Labour in opposition made pledges to reinstate national pay bargaining for farming in England.
“Labour conferences backed us and manifestos after the abolition included a commitment to reintroduce the wages board in England.
“Labour has now jettisoned official party policy and promises made to us before the last general election.”
Ivan accused the Labour government of a “sell out”, adding, “I don’t know what Labour think they are achieving because they will not win votes from farmworkers.
“This is an incredibly important issue for us because it must be right that workers have a say about their wages and conditions.
Above and opposite – scenes from the 2012 protest 25 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2025
All photos: Mark Thomas
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