The protection of young workers under the Maltese, European and International legal regimes : a comparative analysis

Abstract

The protection of young workers has historically given rise to a lot of concern amongst various legal systems around the globe. Young workers are classified as a risk group, in that they are very prone to the exploitation by employers. As a result of this, adequate legal protection is needed. Young persons entering the work place for the first time are oblivious about what to expect. They therefore need the special backing of the law which will ensure that their employment rights are protected and which will also safeguard their health, safety and development. Young workers require the special protection of the law. Young persons are at an age when they are still immature and particularly vulnerable. They also lack experience and therefore tend to succumb to their employers. The ILO, for instance has revealed that the problem with respect to young workers is one of underemployment rather than one of unemployment. All three legal regimes discussed in this thesis have adopted legislative and regulatory measures which afford young workers a decent protection. However, it is not enough for the law to stand as it must be implemented and enforced strictly in order to have positive effects. Although nowadays, the protection which is afforded to young workers has developed a great deal, certain areas of protection still need to be improved further. Rather than development in the actual standards of protection more attention must be given to the implementation and enforcement of this protective legislation. More effort must be done in order to put the laws into practice and guarantee the protection of young workers. More public awareness is needed and above all young workers need to be aware of their rights at law and of their right to be protected from abuse and exploitation at the place of work.