More control over labor migration in the meat sector

VleesNL has published the progress report for its action plan ‘Healthy, safe and fair work’. The industry association released the report ahead of the Dutch House of Representatives debate on labor migration policy on June 3. The action plan consists of sixteen measures developed together with labor unions, government bodies and supervisory authorities.

The report outlines the steps the red meat sector has taken over the past two years. The focus is on better working conditions, stricter oversight and more employees on direct contracts. According to VleesNL, the approach is intended to prevent abuses and improve workplace safety.

Stricter oversight of staffing agencies

As of April 1, 2026, VleesNL members may only work with staffing agencies that have been assessed under the voluntary Wtta module of Stichting Normering Arbeid. This agreement has been included in the collective labor agreement for the meat sector.

Additional requirements also apply to staffing agencies. Agencies must hold both SNA and SNF certification. There is also a reporting obligation for investigations and fines issued by the Dutch Labour Inspectorate. According to VleesNL, nearly all specialized agencies are now SNA and SNF certified. About half are affiliated with ABU or NBBU, or have submitted an application to join.

Social partners also investigated the use of summary dismissal by specialized staffing agencies. According to VleesNL, the share of these cases has now dropped to around 10 percent.

More focus on safety

Workplace safety is receiving additional attention within the action plan. Together with SVO Vakopleider Food, VleesNL developed the ‘Occupational Health & Safety’ training program for supervisors in production environments. The training also addresses communication within multilingual teams.

The sector is also working toward a target of reducing reportable workplace accidents by 25 percent within three years. Since October 2025, members have been reporting accidents monthly through a digital tool. According to the report, nearly all members have an up-to-date and approved RI&E.

More employees on direct contracts

VleesNL has also made agreements aimed at increasing the number of employees on direct contracts. The ambition is to move toward a workforce consisting of 75 percent direct employees, provided sufficient housing remains available.

As a first step, companies will hire 2,700 additional employees on direct contracts. This should increase the share of direct employees to at least 50 percent by July 1, 2026.

Vleesnl.nl