EU Seasonal Workers Law «Fit for Purpose» Despite 70.5% Rise in Exploitation Since 2019
The European Commission states its 2014 Seasonal Workers Directive is adequate, despite a 70.5% increase in labor exploitation in EU agriculture since 2019. A report highlights issues like poor conditions and illegal work, with 273,897 permits issued in 2024. The Commission blames uneven enforcement by member states, while unions argue for legislative changes.
The European Commission maintains its 2014 Seasonal Workers Directive is «fit for purpose» despite widespread exploitation, illegal employment, and poor living conditions in the EU agricultural sector. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounted for 72% of all seasonal work permits issued in the EU in 2024, totaling 196,650 permits. Overall, seasonal work permits more than doubled between 2019 and 2024, increasing from 115,726 to 273,897.
A report published Friday identified agriculture and food processing as «high-risk sectors» for trafficking for labor exploitation, which has risen by 70.5% since 2019. Persistent issues include inadequate accommodation, underpayment, undeclared work, and limited access to healthcare and social protection. The largest groups of non-EU seasonal workers in 2024 came from Morocco (76,579 permits), Bangladesh (53,567), India (39,137), Tunisia (12,675), and Ukraine (7,524).
Brussels acknowledges uneven enforcement across member states, noting that labor inspections are often understaffed. For example, in Italy, 68.4% of 8,847 farm inspections in 2024 found breaches. The Commission argues the directive itself does not need rewriting, emphasizing that the issue lies with member states' enforcement. However, EFFAT, representing EU food, agriculture, and tourism trade unions, disputes this, citing «legislative gaps» regarding access to justice and equal treatment. Future efforts will focus on fairer recruitment and stronger sanctions against abusive employers.