Youth Rates Suck

Sue Bradford's Private Members Bill to eliminate youth rates was drawn from the ballot today.

The good news is that this would be a huge step forward for 16-17 year olds, because the minimum wage is just $7.60 (which is 80% of the adult minimum wage of $9.50). The bad news is that it does absolutely nothing for under 16 year olds, who currently have no minimum wage protection. Employers can (and do) pay 15 year olds $5.40 for working in a supermarket or $6.30 to train others in how to make coffee.

I think it's really important that we take this opportunity to organise against youth rates, but we need to keep the lack of a minimum wage for those under 16 front and centre.