Mark Thomas
n By Alan Jones
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“Even though we had some questions about the independence of the chairwoman, we felt it was better to have her in place so the panel was operational.
“I hope Plaid will be realistic about the importance of supporting the panel because it is the only mechanism for agricultural workers in Wales to negotiate pay and conditions that reflect their skills.”
Steve, a tractor driver from Oxfordshire, points out that since the abolition of the national agricultural wages board, the sector in England is now a “minimum wage industry.”
Pat McIlvogue, Unite acting national officer for the sector, strongly agrees with the importance of retaining the panel, and of the independence of the chairwoman.
He adds he is keen to meet with the new administration to make sure Plaid is committed to retaining the panel, and even enhance its work.
Pat points out that, “As well as pay and conditions, the panel also
promotes careers in agriculture, horticulture and forestry and the development of a skilled workforce, vital to retaining and attracting workers.
“Hourly pay rates vary according to age and experience, covering apprentices, advanced workers and agricultural managers.”
Unite had hoped that the 10th anniversary of the panel last year would be a turning point in lifting pay and conditions in Wales.
But instead, the union had to continue campaigning for its future to make sure pay is increased above the national minimum wage, and conditions are improved in what has always been a tough industry to work in.
It’s also a difficult industry to recruit workers into a union, making it even more important that the panel continues to promote decent pay and conditions – and the chance to belong to a strong union fighting their cause.
13 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2026
I hope Plaid will be realistic about the
importance of supporting the panel because it is the only mechanism for agricultural workers in Wales to negotiate pay and conditions that reflect their skills
Barrie Roberts, Unite rep and
WAAP panel member
Labour's former deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, has previously been a strong supporter of the panel and attended a Unite rally on saving the Agricultural Wages Board.
One of his memorable phrases was, “People who pick the apple should be able to pay for it as well.”
He has been appointed to the position of presiding officer of the Welsh parliament, an important role which Unite hopes will mean he will still have influence on any decision about the future of the panel.
The new cabinet member for rural resilience, responsible for farming, is Llŷr Gruffydd.
Unite will remain resilient in its determination to retain the agricultural advisory panel in Wales.
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