Debate rages on whether or not US firms should pay interns

New York

FOR young people trying to get a foot on the career ladder, internships offer valuable experience. But lawsuits are mounting that claim the often unpaid positions violate US labour laws, prompting experts to call for changes.

Actresses and fashion designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were the latest high-profile employers to be hit with a lawsuit when a former intern at their company filed a case last week. Shahista Lalani claims she worked 50 hours a week for Dualstar Entertainment Group and was not paid. The company called the allegations groundless.