Akubras to Hard Hats: Easing Skill Shortages through Labour Harmonisation Strategies
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2013
Authors
Storer, C
Connell, J
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
National Institute of Labour Studies
Rights
Rights Holder
Abstract
"This article examines skill and labour shortages within rural agricultural
industries in Western Australia. It draws on primary and secondary data,
including 600 survey respondents in the sector. It is determined that there
may be a shortage of farm workers during the busy seasons, while they are
unemployed during the low seasons. Consequently, it is proposed that a
human capability framework is utilised to encourage farm owners and (or)
workers to consider the potential for labour-harmonisation (LH) strategies
which would allow workers to transit between working on the land during
the busy seasons and in mining during the low seasons. The outcomes of the
study are considered in relation to indicators of precarious work illustrating
that LH could enable an easing of labour shortages for both the farming and
mining sectors, while providing benefits for the respective workers, employers,
and the region in general."
Description
Keywords
Citation
Storer, C., Connell, J., 2013. Akubras to Hard Hats: Easing Skill Shortages through Labour Harmonisation Strategies. Australian Bulletin of Labour, Vol.39 No. 1, pp. 64-87