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Limiting subcontracting must be a priority for the new Commission

19/03/2024
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The European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) is launching the second phase of its #limitsubcontracting campaign linking it to the upcoming European elections. The first action of the campaign is the debate on 20 March 2024 at the European Parliament: “Abusive subcontracting practices – Can the EU do more?” The answer to the question is clear. Urgent action is needed from the new European Commission and the new European Parliament.

The debate is organised jointly with 3F - Gør dig stærkere, BAT-Kartellet, with the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, The Left, and the European People's Party.

The event is the opportunity to present and debate the study developed by Aalborg University - Migrants’ work environment in the Danish construction sector. Though not surprising, the conclusions are alarming and not only true for Denmark. Exploitation of construction workers is happening all over the European Union.

  • ·       Migrant workers are overrepresented in the most dangerous sectors of the Danish labor market, including in construction. In addition, migrant workers are overrepresented in the most dangerous sub-sectors within the construction industry, such as demolition, and are largely allocated so-called 3D jobs (dirty, dangerous and demanding)
  • ·       Migrant workers account for 37% of all fatal workplace accidents, but only represent 13% of employment
  • ·       They are pressured to continue working with injuries
  • ·       They are pushed to work at high speed for many hours and days in a row without breaks
  • ·       They receive inadequate or no instructions from employers.

EFBWW General Secretary, Tom Deleu: "Urgent action is needed both at European and national level. We need to stop the exploitation of workers in subcontracting chains. Everyone knows what is happening, including the European Commission. We need to limit subcontracting chains, ban agencies in posting. We need public authorities to set the example and ensure that no money goes to the exploitation of workers. Workers need answers, real solutions which impact their lives for the better. Not just good intentions, workers need action. Workers’ rights must be high on the agenda of the next Commission. We expect nothing less.”