KEY POINTS:
Young supermarket workers have scored a big victory, with a deal reached which will see them paid full adult rates.
The National Distribution Union has come to an agreement with supermarket operator Progressive Enterprises whereby younger workers are paid full adult rates after either 200 hours of work or three months in the job.
For some that will mean a pay rise of 65 per cent.
Union spokeswoman Laila Harre says pay rates across the Foodtown, Countdown and Woolworths brands will also be aligned for the first time.
A new checkout operator at Countdown will get an hourly increase of $1.98 by June.
Ms Harre said as the country's largest retail operator, Progressive is setting a new industry standard.
Yesterday, the Government agreed to add the three month limit on younger workers receiving the adult rate to the proposed youth rates bill which is due to be debated in Parliament today.
But Ms Harre said the latest agreement goes much further than the bill, by applying the rules to all workers under 18.
It also does not restrict youth to the minimum adult wage, but to the adult rate under the collective agreement.
Staff will vote on the deal this week.
Green Party MP Sue Bradford, who is behind the Bill going through Parliament, said: "I am further heartened by news last night of the deal which has been struck between the NDU and Progressive Enterprises which will, among other things, mean that young workers under 18 - including 15-year-olds - will move to the full adult wage rate after either 200 hours or three months on the job.
"I congratulate both the union and employer on reaching this agreement and hope other retail employers will follow their lead in doing even better than the compromise bill I will be shepherding through the House later today."
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZ HERALD STAFF
