Federated Farmers is throwing its weight behind the Wool Partners Co-operative proposal as the November 30 deadline nears.

Meat & Fibre chairperson Bruce Wills is urging all farmers to seriously consider the plan and see if its terms suit them.

Mr Wills says he doesn’t want to tell farmers what to do, but hopes they’ll take the good of the industry into account when they make a decision.

“I’ve got to be a bit conscious that we do have some members who supply companies other than WPC or Wool Partners International at this stage.

"However, I just see this as a real opportunity for a step change, to realise the profits that the industry just hasn’t delivered."

Mr Wills reiterated his call that a new direction is needed to save the wool industry.

"We need something different, the status quo is not an option, the wool industry hasn’t been a pleasant place to be for many years.

"This is all about farmers being able to take their investment beyond the farm gate, and that’s the exciting part.”

LABOUR LAWS WELCOME TOO

The Feds have voiced their support for the Government’s latest changes to employment laws, passed in Parliament earlier this week.

Changes included extending the 90-day probation period to all employers and rules surrounding the accruing and transferring of paid leave.

Feds Employment spokesperson David Rose says the latest changes have balanced workplace laws that were skewed in favour of the employee.

“Towards the end of the season, employees would be paid more for going on sick leave than they would for going into work!

"And this is leading to problems, not only with productivity and recruitment, but those people who genuinely want to work are feeling hard done by, because guys who aren’t showing up to work are getting paid more than them.”

Mr Rose says the amendments will also benefit employees with a fairer holiday system and more opportunities from potential employers.