Schools should teach employment rights, says union

A leading union has called for schools to teach pupils about the right to strike and the role of trade unions in the workplace.

A motion put forward by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) called on the TUC conference to back calls for trade union studies to be put in the national curriculum and support union speakers in schools. The motion was carried by delegates at the union event in Brighton.

The motion stated: "Congress believes that support for young members is crucial to the future of the trade union movement. Addressing the lack of understanding of the role that trade unions play is vital if young people are to be properly protected at work".

Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: "Young people are the most likely to suffer injuries at work or be taken advantage of by employers as they are the least likely to know their employment rights.

"Trade unions continue to play a crucial role in both industrial and civil society. It is vital that we address the lack of understanding of the role that trade unions play if young people are to be properly protected at work.

"We believe that the government should increase the opportunities to learn about the role of trade unions within the national curriculum and increase support for trade union speakers going into schools and colleges."