Bill would help tackle exploitation of young workers

Trade union Unite, which represents workers in all sectors, today (Thursday) called on TDs from all parties to back the National Minimum Wage (Equal Pay for Young Workers) Bill 2022.  The legislation, which is due to be debated in the Dail on Wednesday 14 June, would abolish age-related sub-minimum rates of pay for young workers.

Commenting, Unite Youth Ireland chair Sam Galvin said:

“Nearly 50 years after the principle of equal pay for equal work was enshrined in Irish legislation, there is no justification for a worker being paid less than their colleague doing the same job purely on the basis of age.

“Sub-minimum wage rates don’t just discriminate against the young workers directly affected.  They also facilitate a race to the bottom – for example, by encouraging employers to allocate additional hours to young workers earning below the standard Minimum Wage, while withdrawing hours from older workers.

“Depressing the terms and conditions of one group of workers impacts on all workers.

“Unite is urging TDs of all parties to support this legislation.

“We need to get this Bill passed and then focus on the battle for full union recognition and collective bargaining legislation – because that is the best way to raise wages for all workers”, Mr Galvin concluded.