Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Oxfam and the Spanish University of Comillas report systematic exploitation of migrant agricultural workers in Europe, highlighting harsh conditions and low wages. The study covers nine EU countries and calls for urgent action.
Migrants labouring in Europe’s agricultural sector are systematically exploited, according to a statement by Oxfam and the Spanish University of Comillas. The report emphasises harsh working conditions, low salaries, and limited access to basic services for these workers.
What Challenges do Migrant Workers Face in European Agriculture?
According to recent stats from the European Economic and Social Committee, approximately 2.4 million seasonal workers are operated within the EU. Europe’s agricultural sector compels migrants from the newest EU Member States, such as Romania and Bulgaria, and third-party countries. Some of these employees lack the appropriate residency documents.
Many hope to reserve residency through employment contracts, putting significant power in employers’ hands. This dependence escalates the risk of exploitation and prejudice for workers. Oxfam cites instances of Thai berry pickers in Sweden working between 12 to 19 hours daily.
What are the Living and Working Conditions for Migrant Workers?
For this report, Oxfam investigated the situation in nine EU countries: Finland, Sweden, Germany, Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. In all these nations barring Finland, migrant workers make less than the minimum wage and women are paid less than their male partners, with a 30% difference in Italy, for instance.
Many employers subtract costs for basic needs, such as housing, food, and compulsory protective gear from wages, often at inflated prices. Workers typically lack the means to challenge these rules, fearing wage refusal or dismissal.
What Are the Accommodation Conditions for Migrant Workers?
Accommodation offered by employers also often leaves much to be expected. Migrant workers are routinely accommodated in containers or homes without running water or electricity. Some workers lack lodging altogether and are left homeless, Oxfam laments. The organisation also conveys cases of abuse and sexual harassment.
“European leaders can no longer ignore the exploitation hidden behind the agricultural sector, appearing in every European’s shopping basket,” comments Oxfam’s Nerea Basterra. She depicts hope, however, in the new European supply chain law, indicating that, appropriately implemented, it could terminate the exploitation of seasonal workers.
