The European Commission wants to strengthen the rights of interns. In the future, employers will not be allowed to pay or treat them differently than other employees, unless there are objective reasons for this. Unpaid internships are still allowed despite the new policy.
Reasons for less or no pay may include other tasks, less responsibility or workload. However, EU countries must do a better job of checking whether internships are not hidden employment relationships. For example, duration should be used without the Commission specifying it. In addition, works councils can stand up for the rights of interns in the future. Poor working conditions must be reported through channels.
“Good opportunity to gain work experience”
“Internships can be a good opportunity for young people to gain first work experience, learn new skills and expand their network,” said EU Commissioner for Social Affairs Nicolas Schmit in a press release. However, the internships should have a clear learning objective, be paid and the young people should receive mentoring and advice.
SPÖ: “It’s not enough”
According to the SPÖ, the new EU directive is not enough, ‘politically speaking it is still a success.’ ‘(…) We will continue to work in the EU Parliament to improve the proposal to protect as many young people as possible. possible by protecting European rules. What is still missing and what we will continue to fight tirelessly for is the complete ban on unpaid internships (…),” EU MP Evelyn Regner said in a broadcast. All young people, “not just children of wealthy parents,” should have the opportunity to do an internship and “thus gain easier access to working life.”
Source: Krone
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