VleesNL calls temporary employment ban unnecessary

The meat sector has been under increased scrutiny for some time due to discussions surrounding labor migration, temporary employment structures, and working conditions. As the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment works on a possible sector-wide ban on the hiring and supplying of temporary workers, VleesNL has published a progress report on its 'Healthy, Safe and Fair Work' action program. The industry association wants the government and the House of Representatives to base their judgment on the results of that approach.

More employees on direct contracts

According to VleesNL, by the end of this summer, 90% of its members will meet the agreement that at least half of their workforce must be directly employed. As a result, more than 55% of all employees in the meat sector have a direct employment contract with the meat company.

The industry association also reports that the share of summary dismissals at specialized staffing agencies has fallen to less than 1%. Since April, members have only been allowed to work with staffing agencies that have been assessed under the voluntary Wtta module. In addition, agreements have been made on the use of certified staffing agencies, social audits, and monitoring compliance with collective labor agreement requirements.

Workplace safety

The social partners have agreed to reduce the number of reportable workplace accidents by 25% within three years. To monitor progress, VleesNL members report accident figures monthly through a digital tool. A new training program has also been developed for production supervisors. The program focuses on the application of occupational health and safety rules, including in multilingual teams.

Debate over the proposed ban

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is currently preparing a general administrative order that would introduce a sector-wide ban on the hiring and supplying of temporary workers. VleesNL describes the measure as unfounded, unnecessary, and disproportionate.

“With the Wtta, from January 1, 2027, the minister will have a targeted instrument at his disposal to remove companies that can demonstrably be held responsible for abuses from the market,” says Manon Houben, Chair of VleesNL.

According to Houben, companies that invest in good employment practices, safe workplaces, and fair employment relationships would be the ones facing the consequences of a blanket ban.

Vleesnl.nl