Youth Connect were on the road again today visiting 5th Year LCVP students in visit St. Tiernan's Community School, Ballally, Co.Dublin.
Today’s talk focused on the topics of trade unions, worker rights and worker inequalities. The students had already gained some work experience last year as part of Transition Year and so could relate to the material being discussed,
I promised that I would post some information about today’s talk on the blog section of the website for the students,
So here goes………..!!!
What is a Trade Union!?
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 group or union to ensure their worker rights are upheld,
A more formal definition would be a collective group of workers with common interests, working together, organised around the principles of democracy and collective action.
Can you give me an example of a Trade Union?
The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI), The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) and the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) are all examples of unions! Again, each union represents a different working profession and all ensure worker rights and conditions are protected within the workplace.
How many Trade Unions are there in Ireland?
49.
What role does the Irish Congress of Trade Unions play in the Trade Union Movement?
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is at the centre of the trade union movement and works towards protecting and improving workers rights and conditions at work.
What does the Irish Second Level Students Union (ISSU) do?
The Irish Second-level students’ union (ISSU) provides support, training and advice to student councils. Student Councils are elected by fellow students within the school to give them a voice on school issues.
What rights do young workers have?
• Right to join a union
• Minimum wage (€6.06 for under 18 year olds!)
• Written terms & conditions (contract)
• Payslip
• Dignity & respect
• Safe working environment
• Rest periods, holidays, max hours. Rest periods for workers aged between 16 & 17 are 30 minutes every 4.5 hours.
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.