Parliament is to debate whether or not to reinstate youth rates for workers.
A member's bill by ACT MP Sir Roger Douglas has been drawn from the ballot, seeking to distinguish differing levels of minimum wage for youth from other workers.
Sir Roger says since the Labour Party abolished youth rates two years ago unemployment for 15 to 19-year-olds has almost doubled.
He says his bill will ensure that young workers do not have to compete against more experienced and skilled workers at an equal wage for the same job.
Sir Roger says by prohibiting employers from paying young people a lower wage, it forces many young people onto welfare.
