The union has written to Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth seeking government intervention in support of its application to the FWC in this matter.

This would be consistent with the government’s decision to intervene in support of the SDA’s efforts to defend penalty rates, work breaks and other workplace benefits for retail workers against unjustified employer attack.

Retail, fast food and pharmacy employ more than 1.5 million Australians and a disproportionate number are under the age of 21.

Without justification, they receive discounted rates of pay despite the fact that they are highly experienced and have considerable responsibilities by the time they are 18. They are most likely to have started work at 15 or 16.

It is inequitable that that an 18 year old should receive just 70 percent of the adult rate.

The “adult age adult wage” campaign is just one of the SDA’s actions in support of the interests of younger workers.

For example, the SDA is also:

• Lobbying government, federal, state and territory, to ensure the introduction of ‘working with children’ checks for employees in retail and fast food working with under 18s
• Campaigning to ensure that under 18s receive superannuation on every dollar they earn

Quotes from Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary of the SDA:

“18 year olds can vote, drive and put their lives on the line for their country. “18 year olds are adults. They struggle with the same cost of living pressures as every other adult. They do not receive a discount on their bills just because they happen to be 18. They should be paid the same as other adults."

“18 year olds voted for the government in unprecedented numbers. Their interests and wellbeing deserve to be addressed."

“18 year olds should not be treated as second class citizens. Their work is as valuable as anyone else’s and they should be paid accordingly.”