Australian Youth Get Wage Boost: Junior Rates Scrapped

0:00It's March 31st. This is Sydney News today, AI-powered stories from your city. Half a million young Australians in retail, fast food, and pharmacy jobs are getting a big wage boost. The Fair Work Commission just scrapped junior pay rates for anyone 18 and older, meaning they'll earn full adult wages phased in over four years. This hit sectors packed with young workers. Previously, 18-year-olds made 70% of the adult rate, 19-year-old 80% and 20-year-olds 90%. The change targets major awards in those industries, closing the gap for young adults doing the same work. Unions are calling it a game changer, like equal pay for women back in the 1970s. They point out these workers face the same living costs as everyone else, and at 18 they can vote, drive, or serve in the military. Treasurer Jim Chalmers hailed it as a win for young people. To get the full adult rate, 18-to-20-year-olds need six months with the same employer. Junior rates stay for those under 18, keeping some entry-level incentives.

1:04The Commission struck a balance here, ditching unfair discounts for adults while protecting hiring for teens. This levels the field without killing off starter jobs, setting young workers up for fair paychecks ahead.