NEWS RELEASE Monday 15th March 2004
STUC welcomes as a victory, the principle of a minimum wage for 16-17 year olds but will redouble campaign for a decent rate.
STUC Assistant Secretary Rozanne Foyer said:
"This announcement is a success both for young trade unionists and the whole movement. It is a vindication of the campaigning and lobbying work we have undertaken since the first minimum wage was introduced in 1997. We are glad that the principle of pay protection for young workers has finally been established."
"However, our priority now will be to campaign to raise the wage to a decent level. At the proposed £3 level, a 17 year old could be earning almost £10 per day less than an 18 year old work colleague and this is unacceptable."
ENDS
For further details:
David Moxham Rozanne Foyer
Note to Editors
STUC policy is for a statutory Minimum Wage of half male median earnings to apply to all workers irrespective of their age.