A new understanding of work

Over-protected old people, youths without future prospects and at poverty risk, along with delayed political interventions highlight the need for urgent actions to prevent the outbreak of a new inter-generational conflict. This position is upheld by Fr Simon Rapp, president of the Federation of German Catholic Youths (BDKJ). Referring to the recent meeting of European leaders, held in Berlin past July 3rd, Rapp denounced policymakers’ delayed response to the problem of youth unemployment and the consequences of young people’s future prospects on financial and economic decisions. Massimo Lavena interviewed him for SIR Europe on the eve of the departure for the WYD in Rio.  How have young people’s job prospects changed since the adoption of the euro currency? “The situation of the job market and that of young people have changed over the past 10-15 years. Youth unemployment rates in Germany are low but today people under 25 are those that run high chances of incurring into a state of poverty. The adoption of the euro currency is only a part of that change. Traditional curriculum vitae no longer exist. Increased school hours leave little free time to personality development and to cultivate individual talents and interests that could provide clear prospects at professional and existential level alike”. To what extent do social differences and the cultural approach of young people influence this process?  “Young people often try to identify their objectives and life goals only at the end of their high school studies. They experience volunteer work, register in one faculty after another, or put their skills to the test by doing different jobs. Even those who undergo a path of vocational or academic training don’t consider any of these options as their lifelong choice. Even at the end of their studies or after vocational training courses, most young people obtains closed-end job contracts that prevent long-term planning”. The crisis in Europe has direly affected young people in search of a job as well as those in their fifties. What do you think of Europe’s proposals of intervention to this regard? “The goal should be to provide young people with the possibility of vocational training, in addition to financial means. Also the economic, financial, public and social realms should contribute to this process, thereby ensuring that all youths are involved. There is the need for a new understanding of paid work. Not everybody is being given the possibility of self-accomplishment whilst ensuring the means to make a living. Conversely, the government cannot afford to invest more funds in welfare programs. Bdkj’s appeal is to reconsider a minimum wage model that will ensure financial security to all, thus eliminating all other social benefits, enabling everyone to put their own skills at the service of society, in the family, or at work. It is a possibility considered feasible by many serious researches undertaken to date. It requires a change in society, since we are all aware that paid work and existential security are the same thing. With an unconditioned minimum wage energies can be placed in activities that benefit society and that today are not carried out for financial reasons”. Generational turnover is often prevented by burdensome pension policies. What is the current trend in Germany?  “While the older generation draws benefit from improved pensions schemes, and the middle-age generation tries to secure a future with private insurance, most young people have lost confidence in social welfare plans. Many people fear poverty in their old age. This triggers a new form of cross-generational conflict, which should be avoided through political action. The minimum wage model can secure a dignified existence to everyone in the long run. All generations should be involved in a debate on this theme. Unfortunately such questions on the future are not discussed with youths nor with their representatives, while the latter are carrying out an in-depth reflection on this issue across Europe. Governments should pay more attention to their needs and involve young people in the resolution of hanging questions on the future of youths. If not, there is the risk that young generations will draw away from politics, while it is widely acknowledged that decisions are taken by young people but not with young people”.