Network Journal 2005 Issue 3

Usdaw – Standing up for teenage workers

At this time of year thousands of 16 and 17 year olds start work where Usdaw organises. Many of these young workers do not know about their rights, and they are among the most vulnerable of the workforce, writes political officer Ruth Stoney.

Although they are most in need of the support of a trade union, young people tend not to know the benefits of union membership and can be hard to recruit.

We hope that activists will be able to engage teenagers in campaigning for an increase in the minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds, so they will come to realise that Usdaw is fighting their corner.

Usdaw has been at the forefront of campaigning for young people, and two years ago we successfully won through in the battle for the minimum wage to be extended to 16 and 17 year olds, although it was only £3 an hour.

This year the Low Pay Commission is reviewing that very low rate, and we are campaigning for a substantial increase. Our case will be much stronger if we can gather the views of teenagers themselves.

Usdaw has produced a short survey for 16 and 17 year olds which can be completed online at www.usdaw.org.uk/surveys.

Usdaw has also produced a leaflet Rights and cash for 16 and 17 year olds which is useful for both full-time and part-time teenage workers.

We hope that activists can use both the leaflet and the survey to talk to young workers about their rights and the work that Usdaw does to support and campaign for young people.

The leaflets and surveys for the 16 and 17 year olds in your workplace can be ordered from central office Stationery department.

Support from MPs

Many Labour MPs will be helping us to make the case for 16 and 17 year olds, in Parliament and in their constituencies.

Nia Griffith MP for Llanelli is a member of Usdaw's Parliamentary Group who knows the problems for 16 and 17 year olds only too well, having been a secondary school teacher before the General Election.

"I will be delighted to put down an Early Day Motion in Parliament, calling for an increase in the minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds, and to speak up on their behalf to ministers.

"I am also going to be campaigning in the local college with Usdaw's rep Steve Lloyd-Janes to give youngsters advice about their rights at work and the support that Usdaw can give them.

"I hope that we can not only succeed in increasing the minimum wage, but in making sure that youngsters in Llanelli are protected by membership of Usdaw."

If you would like to join your Labour MP in campaigning with 16 and 17 year olds, you can contact them on 020 7219 3000.

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