SDLP Youth Welcome Minimum Wage Proposal

international | worker & community struggles and protests | press release Monday July 21, 2008 23:53 by SDLP Youth

Trade unions have tabled 130 amendments to the Labour Party’s national policy forum designed to demand a change of direction from Gordon Brown’s beleaguered government. Welcoming a proposal to extend the full minimum wage to younger workers, SDLP Youth spokesman Liam McNulty said:

“The minimum wage varies according to age so a 17 year-old doing the same work as someone 2 or 3 years older than them earns substantially less per hour than their older colleague. We believe that this undervalues the contribution young people make to the workplace and means that in a time of rising prices it is increasingly difficult for many young people to make ends meet. Extending the full minimum wage to young workers would also create a greater incentive for young people to find work.”

“The principle of equal pay for equal work is one which we hold dear. The public would not accept a wage system that discriminates on the basis of gender or ethnicity so there should not be such tolerance for one that discriminates against young people. “

“Unfortunately this matter is still reserved by the British Treasury until the Assembly is devolved the tax-raising powers it needs to function as a proper parliament but we hope that Gordon Brown listens to these proposals and shows leadership on this issue. It is clear that his current right-wing strategy is not working so a new centre-left direction would be much welcomed by all in the youth movement. It is clear that something must be done to protect the most vulnerable in this time of economic turbulence and extending the full minimum wage would be a welcome first step.”