SA: Union group critical of Labor move on youth wages

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-1999
SA: Union group critical of Labor move on youth wages

The South Australian union movement says a decision by the federal Labor Party to vote with
the government to preserve junior wages is a reprehensible development.

SA United Trades and Labor Council secretary CHRIS WHITE says Labor has capitulated to the
government's agenda on youth wages in order to appear relevant.

He says it's unfortunate this appearance of relevance will be at the expense of young
workers.

Mr WHITE says young workers should have the same rights at work and be treated as adults
just as they have legal rights and obligations in society when they reach the age of 18.

He says he can't understand why Labor would embrace a key element of the deregulated labour
market of the Coalition.

Labor's deal with the government, which yesterday passed the lower house in federal
parliament, preserved an exemption for junior wages from anti-discrimination laws, which was
due to expire in mid-2000.

AAP RTV tjd/am/rp

KEYWORD: WAGES SA (ADELAIDE)

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