Wage appeal overturned

 

time sheet, pay, wageThe National Retail Association (NRA) has failed to delay wage rises due to be paid to young workers from next month following a ruling by the Federal Court. 

The NRA launched an appeal against the Fair Work Commission’s decision in March to abolish junior wage rates for 20 year old workers, saying it would be devastating for both retailers and their staff if allowed to stand unchallenged.

Under the decision, the pay of 20 year olds increases to 95 per cent of the adult rate in July, and to 100 per cent from July 2o14.

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, Joe de Bruyn, commented on the ruling, saying it was disappointing that retailers were attempting to “rob” younger workers of their pay increases. 

“By launching this attack, the National Retail Association has shown a complete disregard for the younger workers keeping the retail industry running,’’ de Bruyn

“That some retailers are intent on denying younger workers their basic rights is manifestly unjust, particularly given the fact that they’ve seen all the evidence which shows that paying younger workers fairly doesn’t have any negative impact on employment levels at all.

“Despite what the retail lobby groups say, paying 20-year-old retail workers the full adult rate will only have beneficial outcomes for employment in Australia,”  de Bruyn said.

The NRA is believed to be seeking to have the entire Fair Work Commission ruling overturned, with the hearing set to take place in front of a Full Federal Court in August. 

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