STUC supported ‘Better than Zero’ campaign targets National Living Wage discriminators and issues warning that it will shame those who don’t extend the wage to under 25s.

March 31st 2016

STUC supported ‘Better than Zero’ campaign targets National Living Wage discriminators and issues warning that it will shame those who don’t extend the wage to under 25s.

March 31st 2016

The STUC supported Better than Zero campaign will take to the streets of Glasgow (Thursday 31 March at 7.30pm) to highlight companies which have stated their intention to discriminate against young workers and warn companies who are ‘still deciding their position’ that they will be campaign targets in months to come if they take the wrong decision.

Companies will be identified as:

Red light – already stating their intention to discriminate against younger workers

Amber light – not yet committed to paying the wage to all workers

Green light – paying the Living Wage of £8.25 per hour

Activists with gather briefly outside a range of high profile retail and food outlets in Glasgow city centre with placards and other props.

Better than Zero organiser Sarah Collins said:

“Osborne’s bogus national living wage is nothing of the kind and will keep thousands of workers in poverty pay. We are calling on all companies to pay at least the Living Wage of £8.15 to all employees.

“But, to add insult to injury, some companies are planning to use the discriminatory legislation to introduce new pay differentials which could see someone who has worked for a company for 8 years receiving a lower hourly rate than an older worker who has just started the job.

“This is completely unacceptable and Better than Zero is pledging to shame these companies through peaceful direct action.”

STUC Deputy General Secretary, Dave Moxham said:

“Following this action, and over the next month, we will be speaking to employees of dozens of major firms to establish whether Osborne’s Bogus Living Wage’ is being paid to all employees regardless of age.

“We will be asking whether the wage is being financed by cuts to hours, bonus payments or other terms of employment.

“We also fear that some companies, abusing insecure contracts will seek to lay off or reduce the hours of workers over 25 to reduce costs.”

ENDS

For further details contact: Dave Moxham 0141 337 8100