Yesterdays rally at Manners Mall in Wellington got a whole bunch of activists; students; union members; Young Green and Young Labour members together to loudly call on politicians to “Abolish Youth Rates!”

Around 50 people gathered outside the McDonalds restaurant, a target of the campaign because unlike other business such as Restaurant Brands (Pizza Hutt and KFC) or BP Oil, McDonalds continues to pay discriminatory youth rates: where under 18 year olds only receive 80% of the adult minimum wage.

The campaigners unfurled a large banner reading “Support your mates – abolish youth rates!” and an a activist dressed as Ronald McDonald handed out ‘unhappy meals’ – activist packs containing a stickers, leaflets and campaign information and a lollipop with ‘Youth Rates Suck!’ on it.

Green MP Sue Bradford, the MP responsible for the Bill attempting to abolish youth rates in Parliament took time a way from the house and spoke at the rally, encouraging young people to take action on this campaign.

Despite a lower than hoped for turn-out the organisers felt the rally was a success that got the message out loudly and are committed to organising further actions in the future.

# posted by gareth @ 10:43 AM