The Greens have joined a push to abolish junior wage rates for young workers, ramping up pressure on the Albanese government for another round of industrial relations changes after next year’s election.

ACTU secretary Sally McManus this week urged Labor to scrap lower pay rates for workers under 21 employed in retail, fast food and pharmacy. The change, which union leaders want if Labor wins next year, would help as many as 500,000 workers over the age of 18 but who are paid less than their older colleagues.