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Discounted pay rates to be scrapped for junior workers

On Tuesday, the Fair Work Commission scrapped discounted pay rates for employees aged 18 to 20 in retail, fast food, and pharmacy sectors, ruling they should receive the full adult award wage.
The watchdog determined age alone did not justify lower pay; currently, 18-year-olds receive 70 per cent of the award rate, rising to 80 per cent for 19-year-olds and 90 per cent for 20-year-olds.
Starting in December, wage adjustments will phase in over four years for workers with at least six months of experience, while junior rates remain in place for minors under 18.
Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association national secretary Gerard Dwyer called it a "landmark decision," while Australian Retail Council chief executive Chris Rodwell warned it would be a "financial blow" for shop owners.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the outcome as ensuring "fair, decent wages," with 20-year-olds reaching full pay by July 2027, 19-year-olds by July 2028, and 18-year-olds by July 2029.

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Young Australian Workers to Receive Full Adult Pay Under New Ruling

The wage bill for young Australian workers will cost more after the Fair Work Commission (FWC) agreed to remove junior pay rates for workers aged 18 to 20. In its decision released on March 31, the FWC announced the changes to the General Retail Industry Award, Fast Food Industry Award and Pharmacy Industry Award. It will impact the retail, fast food and pharmacy sectors, bringing young workers onto full adult wages. “The Full Bench decided to v…

1 day ago·New York, United States

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