The national retail workers union is stepping up its calls for all workers aged 18 and over to be paid an adult wage, launching a new advertising campaign today.
Under the current retail industry awards, an 18-year-old is paid 70 per cent of an adult wage and a 19-year-old is paid 80 per cent.
In June, the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) union lodged a case with the Fair Work Commission, asking for equal pay for all adults in retail.
The union’s case, which is being supported by the ACTU, would mean an 18-year-old full or part-time retail worker’s pay would rise from $17.31 an hour to $24.73.
Entry-level wages would still apply for workers younger than 18.
Today, the SDA will begin rolling out online, TV, radio and billboard ads to support the campaign. Young SDA members will also gather at Parliament House to advocate with MPs and Senators.
The calls for an equal adult wage are being opposed by the Australian Retailers Association.
The association’s chief executive Paul Zahra told the Australian Financial Review in June the union’s push to scrap junior rates would be unaffordable for many retailers and could harm young people’s chances of getting hired.
“Without these rates, these young people may otherwise struggle to compete against older, more experienced applicants,” he said.
SDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer said parallels could be drawn between this campaign and the fight for equal pay for women.
“When women were fighting for equal pay half a century ago, employers said it would squeeze them out of the job market – now they’re using the same tired argument about paying 18 year olds adult wages,” Dwyer said.
“18 year olds are adults. They struggle with the same cost of living pressures as every other adult worker.
“They do not receive a discount on their rent or bills because they happen to be 18. They should be paid the same as other adults.”
