Unions call for an end to unpaid internships

Irish trade unions have launched a campaign calling on the government to champion an end to unpaid internships across the European Union. They are specifically urging the government to leverage its current presidency of the EU to push forward a directive aimed at eradicating unpaid traineeships.

The unions argue that unpaid internships exploit young workers and hinder their career progression by creating barriers to entry in many professions. They believe that a standardized EU directive is necessary to ensure fair treatment and provide proper compensation for all work undertaken, regardless of the intern's status.

By using the EU presidency, Ireland has a significant opportunity to influence policy at a continental level. Unions hope this will lead to concrete legislative changes that protect interns' rights and promote a more equitable labor market throughout Europe. The push signifies a growing concern over precarious work arrangements and a demand for greater worker protections.