Hospitality staff objected to being paid the lower "starting-out" wages.

A union has claimed victory in a battle with a catering firm over youth rate wages at Wellington Airport.

The E tu union said airport catering workers voted last week to strike over the issue.

The union said the Delaware North company ran all airport catering concessions except for Wishbone, Mojo and Fuel.

ROSS GIBLIN/FAIRFAX NZ Delaware North runs several catering establishments at Wellington Airport.

"Today, the company announced it has withdrawn its claim for youth rates, or the Starting-Out Wage as it is known, so negotiations of members' collective contract can recommence," the union said on Monday.

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"They are rapt their employer has folded," union organiser Daele O'Connor​ said.

Labour employment spokesman Grant Robertson said the catering staff in question were doing the same job older workers were.

"If people are doing the same job, they should be paid the same wage."

Robertson did not believe the concept of youth wages had a future in New Zealand.

Delaware North has been approached for comment.

The food and beverage concession company is headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Its website says Wellington Airport is its only New Zealand operation.

National, United Future and ACT voted in favour of legislation to reintroduce youth rates in 2013.

By law, employees aged 16 or older must be paid at least the adult minimum wage rate, unless they're "starting-out workers" or trainees, for which there are several definitions.

Employees must be paid at least the minimum hourly wage rate for any extra time worked over eight hours a day or 40 hours a week.

"STARTING-OUT" WAGE CANDIDATES:

* Workers aged 16 or 17 yet to complete 6 months' continuous employment with their current employer.

* Workers aged 18 or 19 who have been paid a specified social security benefit for 6 months or more, and who haven't completed 6 months' continuous employment with any employer since getting a benefit.

* After 6 months' continuous work with a single employer, they must be paid at least the adult minimum wage rate.

* Workers aged 16 to 19 required by employment agreement to get industry training for at least 40 credits a year to become qualified.