Training individuals' entitlements
As the new academic year begins, a significant change is unfolding in the world of internships. The long-awaited Internship Statute, the result of two years of negotiations between the Ministry of Labor, CC.OO, and UGT, is now in effect.
The statute aims to ensure quality training for students on internships, preventing them from being used as cheap labor. It outlines various rights and protections for interns, ensuring they are treated fairly and their primary function is to learn, not to work.
Firstly, it's important to note that paying interns, even a small amount, is not mandatory by law. However, many agreements require economic compensation. The amount of compensation for interns depends on the sector, company, and length of the internship.
In Germany, interns are generally entitled to minimum wage (Entschädigung) unless they are completing a compulsory internship required by law or academic regulations for admission to a university. In such cases, there is no legal right to compensation under the Minimum Wage Act.
Interns in Spain have the right to a final report or evaluation from their company or internship tutor. They also have the right to interrupt their internship due to medical leave, pregnancy, or an accident. Rest periods and holidays are respected during internships, and companies cannot impose shifts or changes.
Protection against harassment is guaranteed during internships, as stated in the collaboration agreement. The agreement between the company and the educational institution is mandatory for legal internships.
It's worth mentioning that interns do not work during their internships; their primary function is to learn. However, they do not have the right to unemployment benefits.
During the past academic year, 1.15 million students contributed to social security through internships. As of January 2024, interns contribute to social security, even if they do not earn a cent. This social security contribution applies to university students, vocational training students, students of artistic or sports teachings.
The schedule of a legal internship must be compatible with studies, with recommended hours of 5 hours per day and 25 hours per week. Interns can do either curricular internships, which are mandatory, form part of a study plan, and have an evaluation, or extra-curricular internships, which are voluntary but are also linked to an official training program.
The Ministry of Labor is considering reducing working hours and approving the Internship Statute, further ensuring the fair treatment of interns. This new statute is a significant step towards providing quality training and protecting the rights of students on internships.
