Wage question.

Meowth

Hello, I'm looking for advice on what I should do.
I'm 18 years old and I work in a supermarket. I've been working there since I was 16 years old. I used to earn 6.56 euro when I was under 18. For the last few months since I've turned 18 I've been earning 7.49 euro, which is less than the minimum wage. Myself and 6 other workers are currently being paid this. We all have more than 2 years retail experience. They took on new staff recently with no retail experience and they are earning 9.65. Apart from my 6 co-workers and I every other worker is also earning 9.65. We have approached our HR manager several times and we end up with the same result each time of them claiming that we aren't entitled even though we aren't being paid equally for like work.
So I was just wondering if anyone could give me any advice on the situation?

Ken.

Contact nera http://www.employmentrights.ie/en/ Contact info can be found on their site.

Procrastastudy

Sounds correct - if not 'right'

NERA have a guide to minimum wage which should let you know when you'll get the bump.

Tom Young

We don't do legal advice.

The lower than minimum wage issue should be addressed.

Workers entering on different rates is a fact of employed life. Discussing salaries and wages, dangerous game.

You should probably seek alternative employment if you can't resolve your issue. The market isn't great though, so only leave if you have a confirmed position elsewhere. Never burn your bridges!

Procrastastudy

Sorry my bad. Heed the advice ref talking about pay it always ends up with someone in trouble - In general terms the minimum wage is a scale of pay not just a blanket amount - you need to have a look at the various info from NERA OP.

sky131

hi i checked with NERA but was disappointed as my particular trade was not listed
ive been working with my current employer for nearly seven years and i am paid 25 per cent less than all six of my colleagues for the same amount of work.
having asked for a pay rise ,my request was laughed at ,which really annoyed me.
i served my time with this employer through the national training authority and though their pay scale is trade specific ,my employer will not entertain even considering my request for a rise.
he is now taking on an apprentice and i just cant understand how the agency responsible can allow and support him as he does not abide by their advice on wage norms for the different industries.
i do know that their advice is a guideline only but surely an employer who uses this to such an advantage should be looked down upon when employing new people who will be used aswell

any opinions welcome
im new to this so excuse if i went on too long

ResearchWill

Meowth wrote: »

Hello, I'm looking for advice on what I should do.
I'm 18 years old and I work in a supermarket. I've been working there since I was 16 years old. I used to earn 6.56 euro when I was under 18. For the last few months since I've turned 18 I've been earning 7.49 euro, which is less than the minimum wage. Myself and 6 other workers are currently being paid this. We all have more than 2 years retail experience. They took on new staff recently with no retail experience and they are earning 9.65. Apart from my 6 co-workers and I every other worker is also earning 9.65. We have approached our HR manager several times and we end up with the same result each time of them claiming that we aren't entitled even though we aren't being paid equally for like work.
So I was just wondering if anyone could give me any advice on the situation?

Not giving advice but I think your question is answered in section 15 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.

15.—(1) Subject to subsection (2) and sections 16, 17 and 18, a person who—

(a) enters employment for the first time after attaining the age of 18 years, or

(b) having entered into employment before attaining the age of 18 years continues in employment on attaining that age,

shall be remunerated by his or her employer in respect of his or her working hours in any pay reference period at an hourly rate of pay that on average is not less than—

(i) in the case of an employee commencing employment for the first time after attaining the age of 18 years—

(I) in his or her first year after having commenced employment, 80 per cent, and

(II) in his or her second year after having commenced employment, 90 per cent,

(ii) in the case of an employee having entered into employment before attaining the age of 18 years and continuing in employment on attaining that age—

(I) in his or her first year after having attained the age of 18 years, 80 per cent, and

(II) in his or her second year after having attained that age, 90 per cent,

of the national minimum hourly rate of pay, notwithstanding that the employee, if he or she has changed his or her employer during the relevant period, may have been remunerated at a higher rate by the previous employer.

(2) In calculating a period of employment for the purpose of subsection (1), any period of employment during which the employee had not attained the age of 18 years shall be ignored.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2000/en/act/pub/0005/sec0015.html#sec15