Are internships the new way for some employers to maximize sub-minimum wage labor or are today’s young people just a bunch of complainers?
Recently two former interns filed a lawsuit against publishing giant Condé Nast for failing to pay them minimum wage at their summer jobs at The New Yorker and W Magazine. Other media companies are also being sued in separate actions.
The former interns argue they were paid way below minimum wage, in some cases $1 an hour, and that this is a violation of New York State and federal labor law.
Generally, federal labor law considers an unpaid internship legal if it is part of an educational training program, is not used to replace existing employees, and the work experience benefits the intern. Employers point to the benefits of internships as a way for young people to get their “foot in the door” of a highly competitive workplace.
So far at least one case, against the Charlie Rose Show, was settled out of court, while others are still pending.
