The SDA, which represents more young workers than any other union, welcomes the momentous decision of the Fair Work Commission for adult wages to be paid for 18-20 year old workers in retail, fast food and pharmacy.
The Commission has sought to phase in these overdue entitlement for young workers, who are adults by law and in every other aspect of their lives, and the SDA will be making submissions on this question. Delivering wage equity for these young workers is overdue so the SDA will be arguing for the full effect of today’s decision to be applied as quickly as possible.
Retail, fast food and pharmacy employ more than 1.5 million Australians and a disproportionate number are under the age of 21.
Until now those aged 20 have been paid 90 percent of the award rate,19 year-olds 80 percent and 18 year-olds 70 percent.
This was despite the fact that they are highly experienced and have considerable responsibilities by the time they are 18. They are most likely to have started work at 15 or 16.
The SDA’s application to the Fair Work Commission was carefully balanced; entry level wages will still apply to workers aged below 18.
It is inequitable that that an 18 year old should receive just 70 percent of the adult rate; they are treated as adults in every other respect and face the same cost of living pressures as workers aged 21 and above.
Quotes from Joel Tynan, SDA Tasmania Secretary:
“It may take longer than we would have liked, but the principle has been established that no longer will 18 year olds be treated as second class citizens. Their work is as valuable as anyone else’s and before too long they will be paid accordingly.”
“This is a landmark decision, up there with the introduction of equal pay for women in the 1970s.”
“18 year olds can vote, drive and put their lives on the line for their country.”
“18 year olds are adults. They struggle with the same cost of living pressures as every other adult. They do not receive a discount on their rent or the petrol they buy to get to work just because they happen to be 18. Now they will be paid the same as other adults.”