Say NO to Youth Rates!

Protesters will be assembling in the Octagon at 12 noon this Saturday 25 June, to oppose the possible re-introduction of permanent youth rates by the National-led government.

A short rally will be held with an open microphone, after which protesters will march to the Princes Street electorate office of National list MP, Michael Woodhouse, to show their complete opposition to discriminatory pay rates for young workers.

Minister of Labour, Kate Wilkinson, earlier intimated that youth rates could apply from 16 to 24-year-olds, however, they seem to have retreated to the more politically palatable option of 16 to 20-year-olds, in typical National Party style.

We see such political manoeuvring for what it is and hold this blatant attack on young workers in contempt.

Youth rates for 16 to 17-year-olds were partially abolished in 2007 following a sustained campaign of industrial and protest action by young fast food and retail workers and school students.

They remain in place, however, for the first 90 days of employment or the first 200 hours, whichever is shorter.

We demand the complete abolition of youth rates and an immediate increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour to reflect the sky-rocketing cost of living.

Just as there is no place in New Zealand for discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or sexuality, there is no place for discrimination based on age.

ENDS

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