The Fair Work Commission has ruled workers aged 18 to 20 in retail, fast food and pharmacy will be paid full adult wages instead of discounted junior rates.

It decided not to vary the rates for employees who are still minors under 16. 

Junior pay rates are reduced minimum wages paid to younger workers (usually under 21), meaning they earn a set percentage of the full adult award rate based on their age. 

Under the current system, which will be phased out, 18-year-olds earn 70 per cent of the award, rising to 80 per cent at 19 and 90 per cent at 20.

National Secretary for the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) Gerard Dwyer said it was a ‘landmark decision, up there with the introduction of equal pay for women in the 1970s’.

‘It may take longer than we would have liked, but the principle has been established that no longer will 18-year-olds be treated as second class citizens,’ he told ABC News.

‘Their work is as valuable as anyone else’s and before too long they will be paid accordingly.’

More to come. 

The Fair Work Commission has ruled workers aged 18 to 20 in retail, fast food and pharmacy will be paid full adult wages instead of discounted junior rates (stock image)