Attention to housing and working conditions for migrant workers

Migrant workers are becoming increasingly important to Dutch companies. Without them, many companies could not exist. At the same time, these employees are not always properly housed and paid by the employment agencies. Many agencies have been paying attention to this for a long time. In recent weeks, integral inspections have been carried out in East Brabant.

These were integral checks at 75 locations in the region, from housing to workplaces. The network partners in East Brabant work together to ensure that laws and regulations are complied with, that everyone is given equal opportunities and that the living environment is and remains safe. When there are suspicions that these issues are at stake, they act together. The integrated inspections involved 18 municipalities, five administrative integrated intervention teams and the East Brabant Police Force. This was also joined by the Southeast Brabant Environmental Service and the Brabant-Zuidoost Safety Region. The regional labor inspectorates contributed by checking for "Fair and Safe Work. Besides checking living and working conditions, the inspections also focused on raising awareness among both labor migrants and supervisors.

Much in order, but also much wrong

Most business owners want the people who work for them to be treated well and fairly. Simply, because they think it's important, but also because people who are paid fairly and housed well can do their jobs better and are less likely to change workplaces. And that's important in this tight labor market. At many of the locations visited, living and/or working conditions were largely in order. Unfortunately, violations were also found. Findings and results:

  • Building permit/decision deviation
  • Occupancy not in accordance with the Basic Registration of Personal DataBRP)
  • Fire hazards
  • Various signs of labor exploitation under further investigation (see example)
  • More, valuable insight into the current situation through conversations supervisors had with migrant workers: about 350 migrant workers were talked to. These were valuable conversations that contribute to awareness among this vulnerable group. For example, about their rights and obligations.
  • Several uninsured vehicles found with outstanding fines (bycatch)
  • Some 'aliens' detained (without residence permits)

Example

During conversations with migrant workers, the owner put pressure on them (by phone). The migrant workers reacted visibly anxious. Among other things, they had to indicate from the owner that only four people were staying there, while the supervisors saw that dozens of sleeping places were in use. The migrant workers were not in possession of a labor contract and did not receive a paycheck. 

During this administrative inspection in East Brabant, the owner did not cooperate. The supervisors therefore used a warrant to enter and inspected without his presence.
Signs of human trafficking are not all obvious. Mattresses on the floor or as in this case intimidation, no labor contract and no paycheck, are a clear sign that something is wrong.

You need to know what to look out for

As part of the human trafficking pilot that is underway in this region - labor exploitation is one of its manifestations - the Regional Table on Human Trafficking is emphasizing the importance of awareness and proper signaling. For this reason, awareness was also invested in this month, both among supervisors and vulnerable groups. The Expert Human Trafficking of Taskforce-RIEC Brabant-Zeeland provided training to a total of 59 supervisors. She used the new VR Experience Human Trafficking to raise the awareness of supervisors of the seriousness of human trafficking. This allowed them to step into the role of a victim for a short while, which was a powerful experience for some. The integral inspections were also a learning opportunity to recognize the signs in practice.
FairWork organized an information meeting for Ukrainian refugees. This included a discussion of rights and obligations as an employee in the Netherlands.

Open your eyes and report!

Reporting suspected labor exploitation can ensure that the victim receives help and support. And that suspects can be tracked down. Reporting is also important to gain insight into the nature and extent of labor exploitation in the Netherlands. This helps to improve the approach to labor exploitation. Where can people go with a suspicion?