Netherlands: The Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Advocates for Stricter Regulations on Companies Exploiting Migrant Workers
In the ongoing debate on the working conditions of migrant workers in the Netherlands, concerns about exploitation by employers and employment agencies are frequently raised. To address these issues, the government is introducing measures to enhance their protection. Read this article to learn what the minister proposes.
A significant number of migrant workers in the Netherlands experience challenging working and living conditions due to exploitation by employers and employment agencies. As a measure against this exploitation, the minister has proposed expanding the authority to temporarily shut down companies that engage in such practices, allowing for stricter enforcement against serious misconduct.
The Labour Inspectorate is already authorised under the Working Conditions Act to temporarily halt work or shut down businesses in cases of serious danger. According to the minister, the current legal provision to suspend operations in cases of serious danger can also be applied to address severe labour violations. This represents a broader interpretation of the regulation than was previously used. In the context of this regulation, serious danger is not limited to life-threatening or immediate hazards. It also includes risks that may lead to significant health damage over time. Serious danger may include threats to physical health, either alone or in combination with factors such as psychosocial work stress.
A guideline will be developed to outline which (combinations of) severe misconduct situations may qualify as “serious danger.” The Labour Inspectorate will use this guideline to establish internal instructions for its inspectors.
Key Points for HR
- The term “serious danger” under the Working Conditions Act can be more extensively applied to severe labour law violations.
- “Serious danger” includes not only immediate life-threatening situations but also long-term health risks, either alone or in combination with factors such as psychological work stress.
- A guideline will be developed to determine which violations qualify as “serious danger,” enabling the Labour Inspectorate to enforce regulations more effectively.
