NARGON

Starting Out Wage

Yesterday the Starting out wage for young people, narrowly passed its third and final reading in parliament.

From May 1st 2013, 16- and 17-year-olds will be paid 80% of the minimum wage, or $11 an hour, in their first six months of work with a new employer.

Three groups will be eligible unless they are training or supervising others:

NARGON has long supported the concept of a minimum wage for all employees.  However, we have often disagreed with the Government regarding the level at which it should be set each year.  While the Government says the minimum wage is “a careful balance between protecting low-paid workers and ensuring jobs are not lost as the economic recovery gains pace”, we believe the constant increa