[Australia] Fair Work Commission abolishes 18+ junior pay rates

In Australia, half a million young workers in the retail, fast food and pharmacy sectors are set for a wage increase after the Fair Work Commission abolished junior pay rates for those aged 18 and over, The Guardian reports.

The wage increases are set to be phased in over four years in a landmark change. Unions have compared it to the introduction of equal pay for women in the 1970s.

Under the relevant awards, workers aged 20 are paid 90 per cent of the adult rate, while 19-year-olds are paid 80 per cent and 18-year-olds 70 per cent. The decision by the commission’s full bench will reportedly raise wages for around 500,000 workers at major retailers, including Coles, Woolworths, McDonald’s and Hungry Jack’s.

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association responded to the news, saying that young adult workers struggled with the same cost-of-living pressures as every other Australian.

“This is a landmark decision, up there with the introduction of equal pay for women in the 1970s,” Gerard Dwyer - the SDA national secretary - said.

“Eighteen-year-olds can vote, drive and put their lives on the line for their country.

“Now they will be paid the same as other adults.”

The association’s Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, described the ruling as a “great outcome” for young workers.

“This is all about ensuring that Australians get fair, decent wages, and the outcome announced by the Fair Work Commission will help achieve that,” he said.

Under the decision, workers aged 18 to 20 will reportedly need to be with an employer for six months to receive the adult rate. Junior rates will remain in place for those aged under 18.

Source: The Guardian

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Australia, half a million young workers in the retail, fast food and pharmacy sectors are set for a wage increase after the Fair Work Commission abolished junior pay rates for those aged 18 and over, The Guardian reports.

The wage increases are set to be phased in over four years in a landmark change. Unions have compared it to the introduction of equal pay for women in the 1970s.

Under the relevant awards, workers aged 20 are paid 90 per cent of the adult rate, while 19-year-olds are paid 80 per cent and 18-year-olds 70 per cent. The decision by the commission’s full bench will reportedly raise wages for around 500,000 workers at major retailers, including Coles, Woolworths, McDonald’s and Hungry Jack’s.

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association responded to the news, saying that young adult workers struggled with the same cost-of-living pressures as every other Australian.

“This is a landmark decision, up there with the introduction of equal pay for women in the 1970s,” Gerard Dwyer - the SDA national secretary - said.

“Eighteen-year-olds can vote, drive and put their lives on the line for their country.

“Now they will be paid the same as other adults.”

The association’s Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, described the ruling as a “great outcome” for young workers.

“This is all about ensuring that Australians get fair, decent wages, and the outcome announced by the Fair Work Commission will help achieve that,” he said.

Under the decision, workers aged 18 to 20 will reportedly need to be with an employer for six months to receive the adult rate. Junior rates will remain in place for those aged under 18.

Source: The Guardian

(Quotes via original reporting)