Unions have launched a landmark application to the workplace umpire to abolish junior pay rates for more than half a million 18 to 20 year olds working across the fast food, pharmacy and retail sectors.
The action, launched by Australian Council of Trade Union’s secretary Sally McManus and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association national secretary Gerard Dwyer, was lodged in the Fair Work Commission on Thursday.
Under current workplace rules, employees who are younger than 21 are not paid the full award rate. Those who are 20 are paid 90 per cent of the award rate, while 19 year olds receive 80 per cent and 18 year olds get 70 per cent.
The union’s bid seeks to lift the pay rate of this cohort to be in line with the full award rate.
The application also seeks to increase junior pay rates for workers aged 15 to 17.
The proposal says 17 year olds should receive 75 per cent of the award rate, up from 60 per cent, while workers 16 and under should receive half the award rate, up from 45 per cent.
More to come