The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) is urging the Albanese government to support its push for adult wages to be extended to workers aged 18 to 21 in the retail, fast food and pharmacy sectors.
The SDA argues that many workers under 21 are paid reduced rates despite having years of experience and significant responsibilities.
Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary of the SDA, said 18-year-olds should not be treated as second class citizens as their work is as valuable as anyone else’s, and they should be paid accordingly.
“Eighteen-year-olds can vote, drive and put their lives on the line for their country. Eighteen-year-olds are adults. They struggle with the same cost of living pressures as every other adult. They do not receive a discount on their bills just because they happen to be 18. They should be paid the same as other adults.”
“Eighteen-year-olds voted for the government in unprecedented numbers. Their interests and wellbeing deserve to be addressed.
The campaign, titled “Adult age, Adult wage”, follows previous government interventions in support of SDA efforts to protect retail workers’ penalty rates and workplace entitlements.
The SDA also continues to lobby for superannuation on all earnings for under 18s and for mandatory ‘working with children’ checks for employees supervising younger workers.
More than 1.5 million Australians are employed in retail, fast food and pharmacy, with many under the age of 21.
The union has written to Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth, seeking government backing for its case before the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the C&I e-newsletter.