The Australian Council of Trade Unions is leading a renewed push for junior pay rates to be scrapped for adults aged between 18 and 21, in a move that could affect the livelihoods of about 500,000 young Australian workers.
Today younger workers can earn significantly less than their older colleagues, even when they share similar responsibilities. For instance, 18-year-olds in sectors such as retail, fast food and pharmacy may earn as little as 68% of the national minimum wage of $24.10 an hour, with pay rates dwindling further for those younger. This disparity costs young Australians a staggering $3.5bn in unearned wages each year.
