“Discriminatory policy means young workers under 20 earn rates of the national minimum wage below those of their colleagues aged 20 and over”
On this International Workers’ Day, the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is calling for the immediate abolition of sub-minimum rates of pay, as recommended by the Low Pay Commission in June 2024.
Kathryn Walsh, NYCI Director of Policy and Advocacy, said this call comes at a critical time when protecting workers, especially young workers, is more important than ever:
“International Workers’ Day commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement. Today, we’re highlighting the urgent need to address the ongoing issue of inadequate pay, which continues to undermine the living standards of ordinary people, already crippled by a cost of living crisis. The Government’s plan to delay the implementation of the living wage, in an effort to “remain competitive” in the face of tariffs, risks exacerbating this crisis.
“Poverty wages are a pressing political issue, and the sub-minimum rates of pay for young workers are particularly concerning. These rates, now justified by the need for competitiveness, perpetuate inequality and poverty, leaving young workers vulnerable to exploitation. In both good economic times and bad, critics claim that abolishing sub-minimum rates of pay will undermine employment and competitiveness of certain sectors. However, this policy only serves to further undermine living standards and exacerbate the acute problems of inequality and poverty in Irish society”, continued Ms Walsh.
Currently, young workers under the age of 20 can earn rates of the National Minimum Wage below those of their colleagues aged 20 and over. This discriminatory practice leaves young workers open to exploitation and puts many young people, who are often providing for themselves and their families, in financial difficulty, according to the NYCI.
Ms Walsh added:
“From our engagement with young people and those who work with them, we know the significant impact of sub-minima rates. Many young workers are subjected to what are, in effect, poverty wages.
“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.
“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,” concluded Ms Walsh.
