People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin
Said Cllr Harkin “If we want young people to have hope, to stay here and to thrive here – we need to shake-up the status quo propped up by corporations and the Stormont Executive.
“The political establishment has been quick to falsely demonise young people for spreading the covid virus – and some have tried to use young people as fodder for sectarian violence – but not a finger has been lifted by Executive parties to challenge rip-off wages paid to young people.
“It’s unacceptable for 16-18 yr-olds to be paid only £4.62 an hour. Under-20s are paid less £7 an hour. What kind of message does it send to young people that they don’t deserve even the basic minimum wage of £8.91?
“The cynical politics of division constantly pursued by both sides of the unionist and nationalist establishment does nothing to help young people.
“When it comes to standing up for young people it’s been ‘blah blah blah’ from the Executive.
“There’s been no anti-poverty strategy. Continued failure to properly expand Magee and create the type of infrastructure Derry and the North West needs.
“They’ve done zero to promote voting rights for 16 and 17-year-olds. Student demands have been ignored. And, egregiously, the Executive has done nothing to challenge rip-off wages paid to young people working in key sectors.
“We believe our Council should promote ‘equal pay for equal work’ and be advocates for our young people, including education about trade union rights.
“Young workers should receive ‘equal pay for equal work’ and their contribution throughout the pandemic should be properly acknowledged.”
PBP Cllr Shaun Harkin will be proposing the following motion at this month’s Derry & Strabane Council meeting:
‘November is ‘Young Workers Month’. Our young people are precious. They are our future and our hope. Young workers have been both on the frontline of many sectors throughout the pandemic – and hit hardest through job losses as a result of the pandemic.
“Young workers suffer disproportionately from exploitative low-wages, zero-hour contracts and insecure work. Unhealthy workplace practices, including bullying and poor treatment, mean that young people’s experience of work is increasingly causing poor mental health.
“Council agrees current minimum wage levels for young workers are an injustice. The minimum wage for workers under 20-years-old is £6.56; the minimum wage for under-18s is £4.62. Council agrees to mark ‘Young Workers Month’ going forward by collaborating with our educational partners to ensure young people know their rights, including trade union rights.
“Council agrees all workers should receive at least the the main minimum wage rate and will promote ‘equal pay for equal work’ for all workers irrespective of age.
“Council will write to the Minister for Economy and the Stormont Executive calling on it to request all employers end the practice of substandard pay for young workers based on existing staggered minimum wage rates.’
Tags: