VleesNL considers legal action against ban on temporary workers

VleesNL is strongly opposing the proposed ban on hiring in and assigning temporary agency workers in the meat sector. According to the trade association, the measure threatens to further increase the burden on food companies. It also fears that companies may leave the Netherlands as a result. VleesNL and its members are therefore considering legal action.

Sector feels targeted

Minister Vijlbrief wants to push ahead with the ban because of abuses involving temporary agency workers. VleesNL calls the measure disproportionate and discriminatory. According to the organization, the minister is using it to mask the inability to target rogue practices effectively.

The trade association states that responsible employment practices must come first. Abuse and misconduct are never acceptable, according to VleesNL. At the same time, it points to steps the sector has already taken. These include stricter requirements for employment agencies and additional independent inspections, according to VleesNL. More employees are also said to have been hired directly. The organization also cites fewer summary dismissals and fewer workplace accidents.

Inspections and daily practice

VleesNL disputes that incidents involving temporary agency workers are typical of daily practice in the sector. The organization refers to 7,399 inspections by the Netherlands Labour Authority since January 1, 2016. According to VleesNL, these inspections do not show that its members are dealing with systematic and widespread abuses.

According to VleesNL, its members treat temporary agency workers as full members of staff. In many cases, these are long-term employment relationships, under conditions comparable to those of permanent employees. The organization is therefore calling for targeted enforcement against rogue companies. With the Wtta approaching, VleesNL considers the decision disproportionate.

Consequences for the chain

According to VleesNL, the impact could be significant. Depending on the final scope, 500 to 1,000 companies could be affected. These include slaughterhouses, butchers, foodservice suppliers and meat product manufacturers. Producers of snacks, sandwiches and ready meals may also be affected. Many of these companies are family businesses or SMEs.

According to VleesNL, the ban does not solve problems around recruitment, supervision and housing. Temporary agency workers will not be better off either, according to the organization. Pay in the Netherlands is already equivalent to that of permanent employees.

Companies will have to hire additional staff to cover peak demand and sick leave. VleesNL expects this to lead to higher production costs and higher meat prices. The organization also warns of a loss of competitiveness and possible consequences for employment. In the event of unexpected fluctuations, supply problems and possibly empty shelves cannot be ruled out, according to VleesNL.

Vleesnl.nl