Youth Rates Suck!
Youth Rates Suck!
UPDATE, August 2007: Youth Rates Vote Significant Recognition of Young Workers - August 16 2007 UPDATE, September 2007: Union organising makes the difference at McDonalds - September 11 2007. [Content not up-to-date: This campaign page was set up to help young workers campaign in favour of scrapping youth rates, and ensuring young workers got the full adult minimum wage. Parts of the page have been archived below.]
At the moment the minimum wage for workers aged 16 and 17 is $9.00 - only 80% of the minimum wage for adults 18 and over ($11.25). Employers expect exactly the same level of work from 17 year olds as 18 year olds. 17 year olds don’t get to scan the shopping 20% slower, or make burgers 20% slower. But employers can pay them less. For those under 16 there is no minimum wage protection at all, employers can pay whatever they want.
Employers pay youth rates because they can, because the government lets them. Sue Bradford currently has a bill before parliament that would eliminate youth rates for 16 and 17 year olds. Youth Union Movement doesn't believe this bill goes far enough, we believe that there must be one minimum wage for all workers, and no legal discrimination in employment on grounds of age.
Campaigning To End Youth Rates
16 and 17 year olds, but also saying that ALL workers should have minimum wage protection, not just those over 16 As MPs consider the Bill, now is an important time to make contact with your MP to make sure they support the moves to end discrimination against young workers. Click here for a list of MPs and how you can make contact with them. To find out what area you are in, click here to see a map of New Zealand's electorates. UPDATE, August 2007: Youth Rates Vote Significant Recognition of Young Workers - August 16 2007 Downloads/Links:
Links and More Info 
