August 11th 2024.
The national retail workers union is making a strong push for fair wages for all workers aged 18 and over. They have launched a new advertising campaign today to raise awareness and gather support for their cause. Currently, according to the retail industry awards, 18-year-olds are paid only 70% of an adult wage, while 19-year-olds receive 80%. This has sparked the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association union to take action and file a case with the Fair Work Commission, seeking equal pay for all adults in the retail industry.
The union's case has gained support from the Australian Council of Trade Unions and if successful, it would mean a significant increase in wages for 18-year-old full or part-time retail workers. Their pay would rise from $17.31 an hour to $24.73, which is a substantial difference. It's important to note that this change would not affect entry-level wages for workers under the age of 18. The SDA's campaign will be spread through various mediums such as online, TV, radio, and billboards. Additionally, young SDA members will be meeting with MPs and Senators at Parliament House to advocate for their cause.
Unfortunately, not everyone is on board with the union's proposal. The Australian Retailers Association, through its chief executive Paul Zahra, has expressed concerns about the potential financial burden this change could have on retailers. Zahra believes that removing junior rates could be detrimental to young workers, as it may make it more difficult for them to compete with older, more experienced applicants for job opportunities. However, the SDA's National Secretary Gerard Dwyer has drawn parallels between this campaign and the fight for equal pay for women. He argues that just like women were once told that equal pay would hurt their chances of getting hired, the same argument is now being used against paying 18-year-olds an adult wage.
Dwyer emphasizes that 18-year-olds are adults, and they face the same living expenses as any other adult worker. They do not receive discounts on their rent or bills just because they happen to be 18. Therefore, they should be paid the same as any other adult worker. The SDA's campaign is not just about fair wages, but also about recognizing 18-year-olds as adults and treating them accordingly. The fight for equal pay for women may have been won, but the battle for equal pay for all adults in the retail industry is still ongoing. It's time to put an end to age-based discrimination and ensure fair wages for all.
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