Australia takes strong action against "pay inequality" – 500,000 young workers to see a wage increase wave

Gelonghui March 31｜Australia has decided to raise wages for more than 500,000 young workers, aiming to help people cope with rising cost of living. According to a statement released by the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday, employees aged 18 to 20 in the retail, fast-food, and pharmaceutical industries should receive pay equivalent to that of adult employees. The reform will be rolled out in phases starting in December this year and completed gradually over the next four years. This decision could have a significant impact on major retailers across Australia that employ large numbers of young workers, such as McDonald’s, Woolworths, and Coles. Under the current pay system, the wages for employees aged 18, 19, and 20 are 70%, 80%, and 90% of the adult standard rate, respectively. The statement noted that by July 2029, the pay for 18-year-old employees will only reach full parity with employees aged 21 and above.