By Kim Linden
MELBOURNE — A youth wages campaign was launched by the Victorian TAFE Students and Apprentices Network (VTSAN) on May 31 in response to the federal government's plans to allow employers the option of paying apprentices and trainees only for the period they spend at work.
Ignoring the fact that apprentices and trainees are already paid discounted wages because they are in training, this plan would cut young people's wages by 20% or more.
First year apprentices on federal awards in the metal industry now receive 47% of the full adult award wage, which amounts to $205.80 a week. Second year apprentices receive 60%, third year 72.5% and fourth year 87.5%. That translates to $259.90, $314.10 and $379.10 respectively.
Maurice Sibelle coordinator of VTSAN and the Youth Wages Campaign, said, "Any apprentice knows that the value of work done by them far exceeds the paltry wages paid by employers. Lowering youth wages does not tackle youth unemployment. Only the creation of real jobs will do that.
"It is conceivable that employers will employ more apprentices and trainees if they cost less. However, that will inevitably lead to the displacement of other workers and put pressure on working conditions. What's the point of training apprentices and trainees when there are no jobs for them to go to?"
The proposal means that youth wages will probably fall below the dole. It would also allow the employers flexibility in determining the mix of time worked and time spent in training. Sibelle says, "This is extremely dangerous for apprentices and trainees, as their employers would be deciding what is 'training' and what is 'work'. Employers will inevitably exploit this situation for financial gain."