Trade union action and a specific legislation protecting workers in the slaughtering sector – the German example With the unfolding of the COVID19 pandemic, the numerous infections among workers in German slaughterhouses in Spring 2020 have drawn the attention of a wider public and shifted the political focus on to the conditions in the industry. [...] These have little to do with the objective and the tightening of the regulations by the ASKG, but rather with the lack of implementation, the still uncompleted transformation processes, and the replacement of the former subcontracting companies in recruiting, accommodation and other activities. [...] It is indispensable for the implementation of the provisions of the new law to increase the control pressure on the companies in the sector. [...] The overall balance from the perspective of the NGG trade union is positive, the basic structure of the former business model - service contracts - has been banned and the situation of foreign workers in the industry has improved in terms of occupational health and safety, representation by trade union and works council. [...] Evolution of the sector and challenges found: The case of bogus self-employment, subcontracting and immigrant workers The social dialogue that exists and has existed in the meat sector is today limited to the scope of collective bargaining, i.e., there is no social dialogue beyond the functions of the Negotiating Committee and the Joint Committee.
- Pages
- 28
- Published in
- Belgium
Table of Contents
- Executive summary 3
- Introduction 4
- Summary of major issues facing the EU meat sector Old and new supply demand challenges negative outlook especially in the North-West 6
- Economic outlook 6
- Collective bargaining in the meat sector 8
- EWCs as a trade union tool in the meat sector 11
- The poultry industry specifically the broiler industry has been a notable winner driven by increased demand and also by the efficiencies in scale. 12
- The industry faces increased pressure as consumers and governments across the EU demand more accountability and sustainability from the food supply chain. 12
- What has been achieved in Belgium An example of a mix of solutions through social partnership and legislation 15
- Trade union action and a specific legislation protecting workers in the slaughtering sector the German example 16
- Protection of workers abroad and regulation of cross-border recruitment agencies an example of legislation from Romania 19
- Workplace Inspections Conducted by Specially Trained Social Inspectors a Belgium and Dutch example 19
- A collective agreement on housing for migrant meat workers an example from the Netherlands 20
- Achievement of sick pay for workers in Ireland due to trade union pressure 21
- High employment standards and collective bargaining coverage a Danish example 22
- A mix of legislation and collective agreement the achievements of the Spanish trade unions 22
- Evolution of the sector and challenges found The case of bogus self-employment subcontracting and immigrant workers 23
- Organising in Poland 24
- Effats Action at European Level 25
- Conclusions 27
