Youth Connect were delighted to visit two separate groups of Transition Year students in Árdscoil Rís, Griffith Avenue, Dublin. The students had gained a good deal of work experience throughout the academic year with many working in retail, office and media- related work. I was very impressed at both the students range of work experience and their enthusiasm at finding out more about their rights as young workers.
Today’s talk focused on the topics of Trade Unions and worker rights. Simple put, a Trade Union is a collection of workers from a particular profession (e.g., teachers, nurses, construction workers) who have come together as a union to ensure their rights as workers are upheld.
Related to the above, we had a question today about what trade union to join if you are a restaurant worker. If you are interested in finding out more information about this, why not click here!
The students were also introduced to the topic of worker rights, including the right to a minimum wage of €6.06 an hour for under 18 year olds and €8.65 for over 18 year old experienced workers. Other basic worker rights include;
• The right to join a Trade Union
• Right to a minimum wage (€6.06 for under 18 year olds!)
• Right to written terms & conditions (Contract)
• Right to a Payslip
• Right to dignity & respect
• Right to a safe working environment
• Right to a break (30 minutes every 4 hours for under 16 year olds or 30 minutes every 4.5 hours for 16 – 17 year olds!)
I would like to thank all those involved in today’s talk. Please remember to check out our excellent new student ID and discount card – The iConnect Card. Currently, there is a fantastic offer to get a FREE SAMSUNG COCONUT along with €120 EURO OF FREE CALL CREDIT if you sign up to the iConnect card before May 31st 2012. Sound Good!? Why not click here to find out more about the iConnect Card and here to apply!
Until next time!
David.