Adult Age = Adult Wage Campaign Success!
SDA union members just won a historic case in the Fair Work Commission to get young adults a pay rise.
On 31 March 2026 the Fair Work Commission handed down its decision in the SDA’s Adult Age = Adult Wage case.
A historic win for young workers. The Commission has agreed with the SDA’s case to abolish junior rates for 18, 19 and 20‑year‑olds in the retail, fast food and pharmacy awards. This means young adults working in retail, fast food & pharmacy can no longer be paid less simply because of their age.
The Commission has ruled to phase out junior rates for workers aged 18-20 with 6 months service over the next four years.
Some workers could earn up to almost $10 more per hour depending on your age, whether you’re permanent or casual and when the changes take effect.
If you’re covered by the relevant awards or an SDA-negotiated Enterprise Agreement, this decision will deliver real pay rises.
We ran this case because adults deserve to be paid as adults. Today shows that standing together through your union works.
When will junior rates be abolished for 18-20 year olds?
The Fair Work Commission is now considering a timeline for removing these junior rates in retail, fast food and pharmacy awards. The SDA will be part of this process to ensure younger workers are represented.
If you’re on an SDA-negotiated Enterprise Agreement, you’ll receive further advice from us about how this decision will impact you.
We’re carefully reviewing the full decision now and you’ll receive more information from us about what’s changing and when. If you have questions, your union is here to help.
Thank you to every SDA member who stood with us to get rid of these unfair junior rates for adults – we did it!
