Abolishing junior wage rates and ensuring superannuation is paid on every dollar earned are essential to level the playing field for young workers.
Australian Unions have accelerated their campaign to protect young workers, releasing a new youth justice policy agenda.
The agenda includes:
- Abolishing discounted wages for 18-20 year olds, ensuring all adults have equal minimum wages;
- Paying superannuation on every dollar earned by workers, including those under 18;
- Ending the double-discount for apprentices, getting rid of unpaid student placements and unpaid internships;
- Stamping out bullying and harassment of young workers;
- Protecting rights for casual workers;
- Ensuring strong wage theft laws; and
- Defending the right to disconnect.
Junior wage rates affect 500,000 workers, costing them an estimated $3.5 billion per year in lost wages according to the McKell Institute.
