In 2009, the EFBWW and its affiliates created the website www.constructionworkers.eu, where posted and migrant workers can find information about wages and working conditions, (working time, holidays, wage deductions, sickness and injuries) in several countries.
Over the years, the website has been further developed and today it contains information about the applicable wages and working conditions in 36 countries in 40 languages.
The ECMIN V project aimed at building on the work done, with posted, migrant workers - including third country nationals - at its centre.
Below is a summary of activities carried out. The project was implemented through four work packages carried out in parallel as summarised below.
1. Project Management and Coordination
Four online Steering Group meetings were held to monitor progress, agree on project milestones, and coordinate activities among partners.
2. Website Development and Promotion
The constructionworkers.eu website was updated through cooperation with national trade union contacts. A comprehensive website audit identified and corrected outdated information, broken links, and usability issues. The website was continuously promoted through stakeholder meetings, events, and the distribution of 60,000 QR-code contact cards. The final conference in Bratislava, organised with the European Labour Authority (ELA), discussed website improvements, outreach strategies, and cooperation with related initiatives.
3. Communication Campaign
A communication strategy targeting posted and migrant workers was developed and implemented using websites, social media, newsletters, and paid online advertising. Dedicated campaigns were supported in Latvia, Romania, and Belgium, helping increase website visibility and traffic. Multilingual promotional materials and QR-code information cards were also produced and distributed. An overview of the work done by the Communications Consultant to create a strategy to improve the existing ECMIN website and develop a communication campaign to raise awareness and visibility of the ECMIN website is available in the final communication report.
4. Alert Mechanism for Workers
A survey of affiliates showed strong support (90% of respondents) for a European mechanism to assist workers facing exploitation and cross-border employment issues. As a result, a feasibility study was conducted on establishing a helpline and alert mechanism. The project also addressed challenges related to third-country national workers through workshops, stakeholder exchanges, and cooperation with authorities in Lithuania and Moldova.
The ECMIN project strengthened the quality and visibility of the www.constructionworkers.eu website, implemented a targeted communication campaign reaching mobile and migrant workers, enhanced cooperation among stakeholders, and laid the groundwork for a future European alert and support mechanism for workers facing exploitation and cross-border employment problems.