Under capitalism, starvation, war, poverty and environmental destruction blight the lives of millions the world over. At the same time the enormous wealth, resources and human talent that exists in the world is squandered.

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High Debts - Low Wages

End student poverty!

 

Due to growing debts and the cost of living nearly two thirds of college and university students now work during the academic year. Many are forced into working long hours and are regularly subjected to bullying bosses and unsafe working conditions.

Many of the poorest students are faced with either working longer hours and risking their grades falling or being forced to leave university altogether.

 

Paul Williams, from Milton Keynes explains;

"I dropped out of university because I couldn’t continue as I didn’t have the money. The loan students get only pays for the fees and accommodation, but you have to live too!

Most people I knew had to get a job. I worked in a restaurant, but because the shifts were at night, I had no time to study and this inevitably affects working student’s grades.

Since leaving university I am currently working for a big pizza restaurant chain, where I only get paid £4.50 an hour, and I am trying to pay off some of my debts. I owe money for the university accommodation and I have an overdraft and dreading when the bank notices I am no longer a student and starts to charge more interest.

I wouldn’t discourage people from going to university. Be aware of the hardship thousands of students across the country suffer and join the fight against tuition fees."

 

If you are a student and in work:

 

Join a trade union

Whatever job you are in, everyone has the right to join a union, even if a trade union is not officially recognised in your workplace.

You don’t have to tell your employer.

If you want to know more about what a union is, why you should join and how and what union to join contact ISR and/or Socialist Students for advice.

 

What is the current minimum wage?

If you are aged 18-21 (development rate!) then the minimum wage is £3.80 per hour (£4.10 per hour from 1 October 2004.)*

If you are 22 or over then you are entitled to a minimum wage of £4.50 an hour (£4.85 from October 1st 2004).

 

*NB: The development rate can also apply to workers aged 22 and above during their first six months in a new job with a new employer and who are receiving accredited training.

 

Take a break

Everyone is entitled to a 20 minute break, away from where you normally work, if your working day is more than six hours.

 

 

International Socialist Resistance (ISR) is an international organisation run by and for young people. One of ISR’s main campaign is against low pay and fighting for our rights at work. We call for:

  • A living wage for all workers
  • For the immediate introduction of the trade unions’ minimum wage demands (eg: the UNISON call for £6 an hour), as a step towards a living minimum wage of £8 an hour for all.
  • The right to quality training with a guaranteed job and free education for all.

Clare James – ISR national co-ordinator