Our campaign to deliver adult rates of pay for all adult workers is heading to the Fair Work Commission later this year.
Our groundbreaking case seeks to remove junior rates and lift nearly all young workers’ pay in retail, fast food and pharmacy industry.
Young workers are just as impacted by economic pressures such as the rising cost of living and the housing crisis. Paying legal adults less only compounds economic equality and delays financial independence.
It is only fair and reasonable that adults who are treated as adults in every other walk of life – are paid as such.
While we’re fighting for fair pay, employer lobby groups are opposing our application at the Fair Work Commission. They’re arguing that paying adult workers as adults will be bad for youth employment and productivity, but the evidence does not back that up.
New Zealand has made their junior rates of pay fairer and research has found little discernible difference in employment outcomes for young workers. Employers’ arguments for continued discriminatory rates of pay simply do not stack up, and we will not take a backwards step.
Our campaign is about dignity, fairness and building a community where every worker is valued – no matter their age.
The Fair Work Commission will be considering our case in October and November and we will keep members updated on this process and how they can get involved.