14 February 2005

Bradford pleased at Govt support for youth pay Bill

The Green Party has welcomed the announcement today of Labour's support for Sue Bradford's Private Member's Bill which aims to dump youth pay rates.

Labour Minister Ruth Dyson announced this afternoon that the Government would support Ms Bradford's Minimum Wage (Abolition of Age Discrimination) Amendment Bill to the select committee stage when it comes up for its first reading on Wednesday next week, (February 22).

"I am really pleased that the Government has seen the need for this issue to be properly debated," Ms Bradford says.

"As expected the possibility of young people being paid the same as other workers has not proved popular with some employer groups. However, it is no longer acceptable that 16 and 17 year olds are able to be legally exploited because of their age.

Labour's support is in addition to that of United Future. The Maori Party is also expected to get behind the Bill after Co-Leader Pita Sharples' positive comments at the SuperSizeMyPay rally in Auckland last Sunday.

"I look forward to taking part in the debate around this very important issue and I hope Labour and United Future will support the Bill through to the end - for the sake of New Zealand's young workers," Ms Bradford says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media