Dutch Government Plans Ban on Temp Workers in Meat Industry
The Dutch government is preparing a ban on temporary agency workers in the meat industry due to ongoing abuses. This move could protect thousands of migrant workers from exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
The Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs is preparing a major step that could impact thousands of migrant workers: a ban on temporary workers in the meat processing industry.
This decision follows years of reports and inspections revealing widespread mistreatment of workers, especially foreign nationals working through employment agencies. These include:
- Unsafe and unhealthy working conditions
- Overwork and extremely long shifts
- Poor or overcrowded housing
- Underpayment or unpaid hours
According to the Labour Inspectorate, the meat sector has the highest number of violations involving migrant labour.
“There is large-scale abuse with excessively long work weeks, poor housing, and workers being underpaid or not paid at all,” said acting Minister Eddy van Hijum.
The plan is to introduce a legal ban on hiring temps via employment agencies in this sector. This ban, if implemented through a general administrative order, could take effect in 2026. Even though a new government may be in place by then, the groundwork is being laid now.
🇩🇪 Germany Already Banned It
The Netherlands is not alone. Germany already banned temp workers in slaughterhouses, and according to Van Hijum, it did not raise consumer prices. Instead, it improved working conditions and eliminated unfair competitionbetween companies that do and don’t follow labour laws.
🛡️ What Does This Mean for Migrant Workers?
If the law is passed:
- Employers will have to offer direct contracts, giving workers more stability.
- Workers will be less exposed to abuse by third-party agencies.
- The pressure on companies to follow Dutch labour laws will increase.
Van Hijum emphasized:
“Everyone who works in the Netherlands deserves a fair, healthy, and safe workplace. This is not optional.”
📣 What Can You Do?
Are you currently working in the meat industry as a temp?
- Make sure you know your rights.
- If you’re underpaid, overworked, or live in unsafe housing – report it to the Labour Inspectorate.
- Reach out to organizations (like us) that support and protect migrant workers.
