Presentation

Because the introduction successful entry of young professionals into the labour market depends on their capacity to apply their acquired knowledge, schools and universities encourage their students to complete complement their studies with internships in companies, administrations and organisations.

Originally conceived as a way to improve links between universities and employers, internships have taken an increasingly prominent place , both during and after their studies , than would be necessary or mandatory.

Unfortunately, these internships are increasingly exploited as a cheap fix for the labour market. Not covered by the regulatory hand of the public authorities, a new “precarious generation ” of young professionals has emerged. First of all, the se young precarious workers are bad ly informed about their rights. A juristic legal vacuum or an inexplicit legislation prevails in most of the European countries. Although the Precarious could initiate legal action s is theoretically possible, often they have not don’t have the financial possibilities means, since they are underpaid or not paid at all. They usually work longer than their salaried colleagues , having to demonstrate their skills to employers, and have minimal legal protection. Indeed, an i Intern can be fired without motive notice, explanation or indemnity.

This European phenomenon compromises the objectives of the European employment strategy in the field of the work programme for young people , and also a big part of the Lisbon strategy. The continuance of such a situation could lead to an exodus of highly –qualified and dynamic people. It is urgent and necessary , that action will be taken on at all levels.

The European movement “ Generation P ” was founded by the French group “Génération précaire”, the young German trade unionists of the DGB (Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund), the German NGO “ fairwork” and other European young people gathered in Paris 2006. The movement is continually growing and already has contacts all over Europe .

Therefore, it is built a network of (ex-, actual and future) Young precarious who fight against the conditions that it is possible and legal today to press them in precarious working conditions despite of their mostly high qualifications completed with numerous working experiences.

The movement has been created to combat an intolerable situation: the existence of an underpaid European generation of work ers force without rights.

A network of (ex-, present and future) young “precarious workers” are beginning to fight against the unacceptable conditions to which they are subjected, all the more in view of the fact that many of them are highly qualified and have considerable work experiences.

The movement has taken on a European dimension , and we urge the European authorities which are competent in this field , to follow the principles of subsidiary and to take urgent action : ; a At the same time, we ask all other political and socio-economic authorities to support our movement in order that internships cease to be poverty - traps for young Europeans.

Glossary :

• Internship/traineeship/’stage’: ( theoretically…) a relatively short period of work experience, with an emphasis on learning. 
• Precarity : a general state of insecurity usually linked to low-paid employment and insufficient contractual protection.