"Many young people across Australia are struggling to find their place on an increasingly complex and uncertain labour market," says the message of the Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service of the Conference of Bishops of Australia, issued before St.
The president of the Commission, Fr Tim Harris, stresses that youth unemployment is about 10.4%, "significantly more than the national average", and that many young people are underemployed, longing for more hours or more unchangeable work than they can find. The consequences of this situation go beyond income, influencing decisions on education, housing, relationships and household life, which can “cause anxiety and uncertainty at a time erstwhile hope should grow”.
According to Fr Harris, "work is more than a way to gain a living", it is fundamental to human dignity and participation in society. “Work is part of God’s plan for human development,” says the hierarch.
The Commission calls on employers to guarantee decent wages and unchangeable working conditions, the government to adopt policies protecting workers and the communities and families to supply "care and support" to young people.
JG, KAI
