The SDA firmly believes that if you’re of adult age, you should earn an adult wage.
The SDA is calling on the Federal Government to support our application to lift the wages of 18–20-year-olds in retail, fast food and pharmacy.
Last year, we lodged a groundbreaking application in the Fair Work Commission seeking to abolish junior rates for 18-20 year olds and lift their pay to the adult rate.
The SDA has written to the Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth to urge the Government to intervene in support of our case for an Adult Wage at an Adult Age.
The Fair Work Commission will be hearing our case for change later this year and this decision will impact thousands of workers right across Australia.
It’s critical that the Federal Government takes a stand on this important issue, just as it did against the Australian Retailers’ Associations attacks.
Why we’re campaigning for an Adult Wage at an Adult Age
Currently, an 18 year old working in retail earns 30% less than a 21 year old just because of their age.
Many workers already have years of experience by the time they turn 18. They also don’t receive a discount on their rent, groceries, or petrol. So why are they paid 30% less?
Through our application, we’re seeking to remove these junior rates for retail, fast food and pharmacy workers and increase pay rates for most workers under 18 years old too.
The Fair Work Commission hearings will take place in July 2025.
Increasing your pay is just one of the ways we advocate for young workers. We're also pushing for
- Stronger protections for young workers – We are lobbying governments to introduce ‘working with children’ checks for employees in retail and fast food working with under 18s
- Workers under 18 to earn super on every dollar – just like adult workers
Find out more and show your support for our campaign to lift young workers’ wages