The Fair Work Commission's decision today to scrap unfair junior rates for young adults aged 18-20 is a big win for our workers.
The Greens have long campaigned for removing the discriminatory practice of imposing junior rates on Australia's young workforce.
The real wages of workers have gone backwards as inflation has soared, leaving our young workers behind in a cost-of-living crisis.
The Greens welcome the FWC's decision for young adults. However, its exclusion of 16-17 year olds is disappointing.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for finance, employment and workplace relations Senator Barbara Pocock:
"Scrapping unfair junior rates is a big win for young workers. For too long 18-20 year olds have been doing the same work as their 21 year old colleagues but for less pay.
"Rising inflation is eroding real wages, pushing young workers further behind in the cost-of-living squeeze.
"Low-paid workers are already facing an uphill battle as wages have failed to keep up with the inflation.
"The Greens believe workers' pay should reflect their skills, not their age. We need to continue to raise the wages of under-18s who do the same work for less pay.
"It's not fair that a 16 year old fast food worker earns $16.60 per hour less than their 21 year old colleague doing the same job.
"Junior pay rates guarantee an endless supply of cheap labour for employers willing to exploit the skills and talents of young people newly entering the workforce."
