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Australia adopts a junior rates system where many younger workers are paid just a percentage of the full adult rate. For example, under the retail award, at 18 years, workers get 30 per cent less; at 19 it’s 20 per cent less and at 20 it’s 10 per cent less. That is despite the fact that younger workers are considered adults once they turn 18 in every other aspect of life.



The SDA recently launched a campaign aimed at ending junior rates for retail workers aged 18 years and over. The 100% pay at 18+ campaign is calling on the Australian Federal Government to support the SDA in changing the retail award which currently allows employers to underpay staff based on their age.



The awards operate together with the National Employment Standards to provide minimum conditions of employment for employers and employees in the ‘national system’.



Minimum conditions include monetary entitlements such as wages, penalty rates and allowances, as well as minimum wage entitlements that were previously contained in the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard.



If the campaign is successful for retail workers, the SDA says it would expect to see the benefits flow to young workers in other industries.



National Secretary of the SDA Joe de Bruyn said the time for equal pay for younger workers has come and is excited about watching the 100% pay at 18+ campaign help improve the working life of younger employees.



“It’s definitely time to overhaul the junior rates provisions and replace them with something that better reflects today’s society and provides young workers with the pay they deserve,” Mr de Bryn said.



“The award provisions governing junior rates have been in place for many decades. They’re prehistoric and illogical these days. Everywhere else in society, you’re classified as an adult once you turn 18 - it just makes sense that employees have the same standing in the workplace.



“At 18, workers are giving 100 per cent contribution in the workplace - they have been trained and are often in positions of responsibility.



“The 100% pay at 18+ campaign is about paying 18 year olds for their contribution, not their age.



Mr de Bruyn said arguments that the removal of junior rates for retail workers aged over 18 would lead to greater unemployment in the age group are unfounded.



“Some employers argue that junior rates give young people opportunities – and for very young workers that is probably right.



“But in retail, by the time a worker has turned 18 they have usually been in the industry several years and have been delivering 100 per cent value to their employer.



“It is only fair they receive 100 per cent pay at 18.”



One of the faces of the 100% pay at 18+ campaign, retail worker and SDA member Rachelle El Hage agrees. Rachelle recently turned 18 and has been working in the retail industry for over three years.



“I was so surprised to hear that when you turn 18 you still get paid junior rates – in fact you still get paid junior rates right up until you turn 21,” Rachelle said.



“I’ve worked in lots of roles within the retail industry for the past three or so years. I’ve worked in cleaning, stocking, customer service and now I’m in the online department.



“After three years of experience I feel I’ve got a lot to offer a workplace, but because I’m still 18 I get paid less than other people who are doing exactly the same job.



“Now that I’m 18 I can drive, vote, drink, pay rent – the law treats me like an adult, so I don’t see why my employer should be any different.



“It just makes sense that I should be paid a full adult rate.”



Ms El Hage said she was happy to get involved in the 100% pay at 18+ campaign.



“I’ve never done anything like that before, but I was very happy to help out because I believe it’s an important message to get out there.



“This campaign is a great opportunity for younger workers to have our voice heard. It’s a no-brainer really – I think all young workers should be signing up and getting involved in the campaign.



Watch Rachelle, sign up to the campaign and find out more at www.100percentpay.com.au