Julie Morgan- 'slave labour'?

This may be the one time that I agree with a Labour politician...When I saw the article in the Western Mail today regarding Julie Morgan's advert for an intern in her office, and Tory AM Jonathan Morgan's opportunistic comments, I found that I identified with Julie Morgan's argument.

Jonathan Morgan effectively compared hiring a student as an intern to slavery, which is bizarre, and a cheap shot at criticising the Labour Party of Cardiff North in this hotly contested Assembly election seat. The advert says quite plainly that Julie Morgan is looking for a 'volunteer intern', and not a constituency case worker, therefore I see no problem with this at all. Expenses and meals are included, and would attract students studying politics. ( if they wanted to work with Labour, that is!)

It's got to be a positive thing for an MP or an AM to offer the chance for students to work with them on a voluntary basis while studying, so that they get to grips with the workings of Parliament or the Assembly. It will also enhance a student's CV, and provide an opportunity for a student that others would very much appreciate. Many schemes from various different companies and organisations are offered to students on a voluntary basis. Such a scheme was provided by Aberystwyth University's Politics department, encouraging students to work for a period of time at the National Assembly. Those student were not paid, but they benefited from the scheme, and took part in seminars the following year to talk about their experiences and it's benefits.

Jonathan Morgan's comment was uncalled for. Naturally, students shouldn't be taken for granted or treated as slaves. If they do take on intern roles, they shouldn't merely be doing small or menial tasks. They should be pushed so that they return to academia more experienced, and much more aware of the challenges of the world of work.