My name is Tamie, I am 16 year olds. I am supposed to be working as a lifeguard and swimming instructor this summer at Etobicoke’s Memorial Pool. Instead, as a member of CUPE Local 79, I am  on strike. And on Canada Day, I picketed at the Ingram Transfer Station. Going on strike was not part of my summer plans.

I started off not caring at all about the actual meaning of the dispute: I was there for the strike pay, not to support my fellow workers. If I worked for just four hours a day, five days a week, CUPE 79 would pay me $200. For a student like me, that seems like decent enough money. I soon got a reality check. I am currently scheduled at the York Civic Centre, where I picket in the back parking lot. On my first day, a woman brought along her 2-year-old toddler, for whom she couldn’t find daycare. The second day, I overheard another woman talking about being behind on her phone bill. 

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Many young people to work in summer jobs lasting approximately six weeks. It is going to allow them the opportunity to earn extra cash during the summer months. If it is their first job, they can learn work skills and get a head start on their futures through summer employment opportunities.

Still, young people, especially those new to the workplace, will encounter unfamiliar from the jobs they will be doing and from the working environment. Linn Elisabeth Hemmingsen, Chair of the Fagforbundet Youth, said that many young people is working for summers jobs but they are often in the dark about their rights as employees, many of them are being taken advantage of by their employers.

Summer Patrol (Sommerpatrulje) is setting up by the LO (The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions) to ensure that law and regulation are followed and workers do not get exploitation of their rights in the workplaces.

Hundreds of Fagforbundet Youth officers and volunteers are taking part for this summer patrol to make sure the employers treat young people well at workplaces. They will also help young people understand their rights and entitlements at work, Linn said again on her explanation on the participation of Fagforbundet Youth for this year summer patrol.

The summer patrol is scheduling from 22 June to 3 August 2009.

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