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Fair Work Commission Abolishes Junior Pay Rates for Young Workers

3/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Fair Work Commission announced a wage reform abolishing junior pay rates for workers aged 18 to 20, affecting about 500,000 in retail, fast food, and pharmacies.
The change will be phased in starting December, with 18-year-olds receiving a 5% annual wage increase until 2029.
Unions say the reform addresses unfair pay for young workers doing the same jobs as older workers, while junior rates remain for those under 18.

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Story summary

The Fair Work Commission announced a wage reform abolishing junior pay rates for workers aged 18 to 20, affecting about 500,000 in retail, fast food, and pharmacies.
The change will be phased in starting December, with 18-year-olds receiving a 5% annual wage increase until 2029.
Unions say the reform addresses unfair pay for young workers doing the same jobs as older workers, while junior rates remain for those under 18.