More than 27,000 young workers are earning below the minimum wage, according to the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).
Marking International Workers’ Day, the NYCI has called for the immediate removal of sub-minimum pay rates, in line with recommendations from the Low Pay Commission, reports Breaking News.
Ireland is still among the few EU countries where individuals under 20 years of age can legally be paid less than the standard minimum wage.
The NYCI has warned that this amounts to “age-based pay discrimination, and it sends a damaging message that a young person’s work is worth less simply because of their age, regardless of skill or experience”, reports Breaking News.
Kathryn Walsh, director of policy and advocacy at the NYCI, said: “Poverty wages are a pressing political issue, and the sub-minimum rates of pay for young workers are particularly concerning. With over 27,000 young workers earning less than the minimum wage, this policy only serves to further undermine living standards and exacerbate the acute problems of inequality and poverty in Irish society.”
The organisation also raised concerns that sub-minimum wage rates may leave younger workers vulnerable to exploitation, reports Breaking News.
In a recent report, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) indicated that some employers may be relying on reduced youth wage rates to control labour costs as the minimum wage increases.
Walsh said: “Minimum wage jobs are more precarious, uncertain, and insecure, making it difficult for young people to make progress or even survive. It is time for the Government to take decisive action and abolish sub-minimum rates of pay to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all workers, regardless of age,” reports Breaking News.
“On this May Day, we stand in solidarity with workers everywhere and call on the Government to abolish sub-minimum rates of pay. Young workers deserve fair wages and the opportunity to build a secure future. It is time to end this discriminatory practice and ensure that all workers are treated with dignity and respect,” reports Breaking News.
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