South Australia Scrapping Junior Pay Rates for Young Workers

0:00Big news for young workers in South Australia, the Fair Work Commission just ruled to scrap junior pay rates for anyone 18 and older in retail, fast food, and pharmacy sectors. That means 18 to 20 year olds will soon earn the full adult award wage, closing the gap that's held them back for years. Right now, those workers get just 70% at 18, 80% at 19, and 90% at 20. The change phases in over four years, starting this December, hitting full effect by 2029, but only after they've been on the job, for six months. The union behind this, the shop distributive, and Allied Employees Association, is calling it a huge win for younger folks and fairness across. Generations, their South Australia's biggest union and pushed hard for it. This impacts around 15,000 workers statewide, factoring in stuff like tough job markets for youth. The junior rates stick around for anyone under 18, keeping things balanced. As these raises roll out, expect more cash in young pockets and a push toward equal pay.

1:05Setting the stage for fairer shifts in the workforce ahead. You've been listening to Adelaide News today, AI-powered local news.