Since launching our campaign in June, we’re continuing to keep the pressure on our campaign to abolish junior rates for workers 18 years and older.
Our case is now before the Fair Work Commission and we’ve been spreading our message far and wide, from your workplaces to the streets and Parliament House in Canberra.
In August, a contingent of young SDA Members travelled to Parliament House in Canberra to put our case to the members of Parliament.
Over two days, SDA members met with Federal Members of Parliament to share their experiences earning junior rates and how they’re leaving young workers at a financial disadvantage.
One of these members who is being negatively impacted by junior rates is Liz. She is 19 years old and works at a major pharmacy outlet in Queensland.
While Liz has several years of experience in retail and does a specialised role in her workplace, she is still paid 20% less than the adult wage because of her age.
This translates to over $5 less per hour than someone who is two years older than her for doing the same job.
Liz and millions of other young Australians don’t receive a discount on petrol, bills or studying so why are their wages discounted?
The reality is that by the age of 18, most retail, fast food and pharmacy workers have several years’ experience in the sector, there is no justification for them being paid significantly less.
Our case at the Fair Work Commission is fighting to change this and end this pay discrimination against young adult workers.
How we’re fighting to lift young workers’ wages
At the Fair Work Commission, we’re fighting to remove the reduced rates of pay for workers between 18- 20 year olds in the retail, fast food and pharmacy awards so that all adults receive the adult wage.
Our case is also seeking to lift the rates of pay for most workers under the age of 18.
We want to see wages lifted as follows:
- 20 years old: From 90%* > 100%
- 19 years old: From 80% > 100%
- 18 years old: From 70% > 100%
If successful, these changes will not only affect workers on awards, it will also flow onto Enterprise Agreements with junior rates.
*General Retail Industry Award pays 90% for the first 6 months of employment at age 20.
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