Union backs call to end junior pay rates for workers under 21

Australian Unions are backing a bid to end junior rates of pay for younger workers.

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) has applied to the Fair Work Commission to scrap junior pay rates for workers aged 18 and over in retail, fast food and pharmacies so they can be paid adult wages.

Young workers under 21 employed under the key retail, fast food and pharmacy awards are not currently entitled to adult wages.

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They are paid lower wages on a sliding scale which unions say is out of touch with the cost-of-living pressures confronting young workers.

Workers under 20 are paid 90 per cent of the adult award rate, while 19-year-olds are paid 80 per cent of the award rate.

Employees who are 18 get just 70 per cent of the full award rates in retail, fast food and pharmacies.

ACTU President Michele O'Neil said employer groups have got it wrong when they claim a change will cost young workers their jobs.

"If you're 18, you're legally an adult. You can vote. You can drive. You can work the late shift. But in retail and fast food, you're still paid like a kid," O'Neil said.

"That pay gap isn't small. An 18-year-old needs 50 plus hours a week to earn what an adult makes in 38.

"The bills don't get reduced because you're younger. The rent doesn't care about your birthday.

"The SDA - the union for retail and fast-food workers - has asked the Fair Work Commission to fix this.

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"Once you're legally an adult, you should be paid the adult wage. It's straightforward and fair."

A case starts in the Fair Work Commission today.

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