Campaigning public services union will today (Thursday) launch its charter for young people in the company of hot local band The Sandinistas and Cardiff Labour MP Jo Stevens. The event will take place in Cardiff venue Ten Feet Tall at 7pm.
The key demands of the #respectyouryouth charter are for a real Living Wage regardless of age – £8.45 an hour for all; quality apprenticeships; fair employment; equality in the workplace and training and development opportunities. UNISON has said it will be encouraging all employers across Wales to sign up.
Mark Turner, UNISON Cymru organiser for Young Members
“An easy phrase we’re taught growing up is to ‘respect your elders’ and much less thought is given to ensuring young adults are being fairly treated. Young people entering the world of work or in higher education face a lean time of things. Wales has a high level of youth unemployment and an apprenticeship system that is not working. If you do have a job there’s a good chance you’re on low pay and a zero hours contract with no prospect of any training. If you’re studying at university there are high tuition fees.
“We aren’t giving young people the best start in life. They represent the future workforce and deserve better. Today in Cardiff young members in UNISON Cymru/Wales will launch a #respectyouryouth charter. We want Welsh employers to sign up. If we don’t invest in young people, how else are they going to be able to make a life for themselves?
“We are very excited to have booked the Sandinistas for our launch event and if you want to see a great band and hear how UNISON is campaigning for young workers come along on tonight to Ten Feet Tall.”