This paper analyses data from a research done with automobile workers in the ABC region (in the State of São Paulo), with special emphasis on those who are between 19 and 29 years of age. A comparison of their socio-economic profile was made with that of their colleagues who are thirty or over. Pointing out the heterogeneity that characterizes youth, the text shows the existing differences, not only between the younger and the older metal workers, but also between the young metal workers and other youths that took part in previous researches. The analysis shows that, to a certain extent, those working in the automobile industry are better off than that other youths in the labor market in general, and in all senses, their situation is a lot superior to that of youths who have not been absorbed by the market, either because they are unemployed, or because they are underemployed. This does not mean, however, that these young metal workers are satisfied or that they are not fearsome of the uncertainties of a globalized world.
Young workers; Automobile industry; Trade unionism; ABC region