Labor picks fight with farm piece rates in a move critics say could drive producers to the wall

The federal opposition says farm workers need to be guaranteed a minimum wage if they are paid according to how much produce they pick.

Labor has thrown its support behind a union campaign to amend the horticulture workers award in a move farmers claim could drive them out of business.

Speaking in Sydney today, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said fruit pickers must be assured of earning the minimum wage of $19.84 per hour.

“What we’re saying is there should be a minimum rate,” he said.