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Network Journal 2007 Issue 3 May/June |
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ADM 2007: Standing up for young workers
All unions face a big challenge in recruiting young workers to their ranks, Paddy Lillis told conference when he moved the executive council statement.
"Usdaw faces a particular challenge because one in five of all young people in work are employed in retail," he said. "We have to tell these vulnerable employees that we are listening, we are campaigning and we are winning for young workers.
"Usdaw wants to see the adult rate of the national minimum wage paid at 18. Our negotiators have agreed equal pay for all workers doing the same job in some companies, and won improved rates for 16 & 17 year-olds, that's how it should be. We need more young people and they need Usdaw."
Mark Boswell (Cardiff Central) congratulated the Labour Government on its national minimum wage policy but urged improvement. "At 16 you can set up home, and have a family but you can't afford to keep a family!" he said. "Young workers need more rights and more money."
Julia Mansbridge (Associated Eastern Sata) agreed. "There is no justifiable reason to pay 16-18 year-olds less than their adult colleagues if they are doing the same job," she said.
Visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/youngworkers for more information.
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