Our Adult Age = Adult Wage case will be heard by the Fair Work Commission this year
For too long, young workers who are 18 and over have been discriminated against because of their age. So that’s why we decided to do something about it.
Last year the SDA launched a ground breaking case in the Fair Work Commission to abolish junior rates of pay for workers 18 and over. We’re also seeking to lift the rates of pay for some workers under 18 as well.
This means that we are asking the Commission to change the retail, fast food and pharmacy awards to remove the junior rates of pay for workers aged 18, 19, or 20, and pay them the full adult wage instead.
Because, if you’re old enough to drive a car, buy alcohol, and vote, you should be paid like an adult.
Winning this case will not be easy – the SDA will be in the Commission arguing for fair pay, but employers and their lobby groups will also be making their arguments against us.
If the SDA wins the case, how much more will young workers be paid?
If successful, the rates of pay will be:
- 20 yr old (fast food only) + $2.66 per hour
- 19 yr old + $5.31 per hour
- 18 yr old + $7.97 per hour
- 17 yr old + $3.98 per hour
The SDA recently took part in Orientation Week at Griffith University and the University of Queensland to chat with students about the campaign and hear their thoughts on junior wages.
Hundreds of students showed their support by signing onto the campaign, with many surprised to learn that 18-year-old retail, fast food and pharmacy workers are still paid significantly less than the full adult wage.
One of the students we spoke to about the campaign, Kimmy, said:
“Junior Wages are absoltuely unfair. Some 18 and 19 year olds are living out of home. They are essentially adults already, there is no functional difference there, and if you’re expecting them to live like adults – why shouldn’t they be paid like adults? It doesn’t make sense.”
We also spoke to 18 year old Harper while we were out promoting the campaign at Ipswich Riverlink. She is a qualified hairdresser, studying to be a counsellor and is soon to be married. She said:
“At 18 I can vote, I can get married, I can make all of these adult decisions, but I’m not being paid as an adult. It’s not fair.”
When will we know a result?
The case will be heard from the 25th to the 27th of November this year. We’re not sure how long a decision will take but we will provide any updates as they come through.
How can I support the case?
The SDA can’t do this alone. We need to continue to send a strong message to the Fair Work Commission and employers that you support removing junior rates of pay.
Workers of all ages can support our campaign for change.
by Justin Power, SDA State Secretary.
