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Management

Younger workers strike more over working conditions

Written by Richard Northedge
Wednesday, 03 October 2007
Older workers strike over pay while youngsters take industrial action because of conditions, claims a new survey. The compelling reason for strikes among 35 to 49 year-olds is poor wages and benefits, according to the survey of 1,000 workers by OPP, a firm of business psychologists. However, 25 to 34 year-old say it is dangerous working conditions that would cause them to withdraw their labour. And while overwork is not seen as an issue by the older group, some 12 per cent of the under-35s list it as a potential reason for striking. OPP executive Lucy McGee says, “Different people experience different kinds of connection to their jobs and employers”. The survey comes as the UK is experiencing strikes by postal workers, prison officers and transport staff. McGee says, “To avoid the kinds of disruption we’ve seen recently, employers need to recognise that different motivators existing within their workforce. “Whether it’s benefits, the working environment, bonds with colleagues or any number of other factors, individuals will not respond well to being treated as a homogenous group.”