Unpaid but possible

EU Commission wants to strengthen interns’ rights

The EU Commission is taking action against poor conditions for internships (symbolic image).

(Bild: APA/HERBERT NEUBAUER)

The EU Commission wants to strengthen the rights of interns. In future, employers will not be allowed to pay and treat them differently from other employees unless there are objective reasons for doing so. Unpaid internships are still permitted despite the new directive.

Reasons for less pay or no pay at all may include different tasks, less responsibility or a lower workload. However, the EU states are to monitor more strictly that internships are not actually hidden employment relationships. The duration, for example, is to be taken into account without the Commission specifying this. In addition, works councils will be able to stand up for the rights of interns in future. Bad working conditions can be reported via channels.

"Good opportunity for work experience"
"Internships can be a good opportunity for young people to gain their first work experience, learn new skills and expand their network", said EU Social Affairs Commissioner 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.

We will continue to work in the EU Parliament to improve the proposal in order to protect as many young people as possible through European rules.

EU-Abgeordnete Evelyn Regner (SPÖ)

SPÖ: "Not enough"
According to the SPÖ, the new EU directive is not enough, "politically it is nevertheless a success." "(...) We will continue to work in the EU Parliament to improve the proposal in order to protect as many young people as possible through European rules. What is still missing and for which we will continue to campaign tirelessly is the complete ban on unpaid internships (...)", said MEP Evelyn Regner in a press release. All young people, "not just the children of rich parents", should have the opportunity to complete an internship and "thus have an easier start to their professional life."